NFL warns Peppers, Matthews to cooperate

The NFL warned four players involved with an Al-Jazeera America report on Performance-Enhancing Substances to cooperate with investigators or face suspension. The players mentioned in the report are Julius Peppers, Clay Matthews, free agent and former Packer Mike Neal and Pittsburgh Steeler Linebacker James Harrison.

In a statement reportedly sent from the league office to the NFLPA, they must participate in a interview regarding the report by August 25th. The statement reads in part, "their actions will constitute conduct detrimental and they will be suspended, separate and apart from any possible future determination that they violated the steroid policy."

The suspension would last indefinitely until the NFL Commissioner deems they have fully cooperated with the league. 

Neither Matthews or Peppers speaking today. @packers @NFL

— Charlie Sokaitis (@CharlieSokaitis) August 16, 2016

This allegation stems from an Al-Jazeera America report early this year linking Matthews, Peppers, Neal and Harrison to performance enhancing drugs. The report also named Peyton Manning, but the NFL has already announced that Manning cooperated with the league investigation and there was no credible evidence showing he used or possessed PEDs.

The four other players and the NFL Players Association insist they are not required to participate in any NFL investigation unless the league has 'credible evidence' that they used PEDs. The players union maintains the NFL lacks proof which could lead to another battle between the union and the league.