NFL Players Association: We want a clean game

• We have repeatedly asked WADA to share independent published scientific reviews.
• WADA refused every request.
• We proposed a number of scientists to design and oversee that study, but the NFL rejected all.

It is both easy and lazy to blame workers and unions when complex workplace issues arise. This is exactly what is happening with human growth hormone (HGH) testing in the NFL. No one who looks at the science, facts or fairness could in good conscience take the position that the players are obstructionists, or even delaying.

The facts are transparent. Players agreed to HGH testing in the collective bargaining agreement because they want a clean game. As part of that contract, players would receive independent scientific review of the test and a rigorous adjudication process. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is the sole entity that administers the test.

We have repeatedly asked WADA to share independent published scientific reviews, validation studies and underlying population data for its test. That information is crucial because race and body composition are known variation factors in naturally occurring HGH levels. With arrogant contempt, WADA refused every request.

Thus, 18 months after the agreement was signed, players have seen neither an independent scientific review nor an opportunity to establish a fair due process that is rooted in that science. So who are the obstructionists?

Given WADA's refusal to disclose crucial data and the NFL's inability to obtain it, the players proposed a population study, and the league agreed. This became the mutual solution to establish a scientific baseline for HGH testing.

We proposed a number of scientists to design and oversee that study, but the NFL rejected all. The players then agreed to a league-proposed scientist — twice — who declined both times. So, who is delaying?

It is easy to take the position that NFL players shouldn't question a test that Olympic athletes must accept because they have no union to demand transparency and due process. It is lazy to ignore the facts about the scientific nature of the test, what is actually in our agreement, and what has transpired since then.

USA TODAY's Editorial Board and Congress have made the mistake of criticizing "the union," as if we were separate from our players. We are one. If observers of our business learned anything from the alleged "bounty" saga, they know that no amount of external pressure will stop us from standing up for what is right. This issue is no different.

George Atallah is assistant executive director of external affairs at the NFL Players Association.