NFL warns players that meat from Mexico and China could cause positive test

The NFL has issued a memo warning its players that meats consumed in Mexico and China may contain clenbuterol, which is a banned substance.

Part of the memo was released by ESPN, which warns players of the substance but also says that there will be no leniency in terms of discipline. Arizona Cardinals defensive back Patrick Peterson took to Twitter with the full memo.

This isn’t a completely foreign issue to the NFL or its players. Houston Texans left tackle Duane Brown has previously tested positive for clenbuterol, though his suspension was eventually overturned.

Any time a banned substance is brought up, it’s certainly an important issue, as a positive test will result in a suspension and a lot of lost money. In this case, the warning is even more serious.

The memo should be etched into the minds of players on the Texans and Oakland Raiders, who are certainly at a heightened risk. The two teams play in Mexico City on Nov. 21. Players from both teams will almost certainly be in Mexico in the days before they play, practicing, promoting the game and the NFL in general.

They would do very well to exercise great caution regarding what they eat on that trip.