NFL On Garrett Reid Findings: We Will Follow Up As Appropriate

A member of the NFL league offices addressed the recent discovery that Garrett Reid was in possession of steroids when he died on August 5.

“We are aware of the information,” said a league representative via email, “and will follow up as appropriate.”

The NFL did not say whether they would be conducting an independent investigation.

In a press conference Monday afternoon, Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli said that there was no evidence that links the steroids with any members of the Eagles.

”Lots of interviews were conducted by the police,” said Morganelli,via the Associated Press.  “And I can’t go into all of them, but all I can say is that we could not provide any evidence or substantiate that anybody in the Eagles organization was involved in this, or whether or not this was for his personal use. It was just undetermined.”

The four types of steroids found in Garrett Reid’s room — testosterone propionate, boldenone undecylenate, nandrolone phenyl propionate, trembolone acetate — are all tested for year-round by the NFL. A league source confirmed that no Eagles player has been suspended for violating the NFL’s policy on anabolic steroids and related substances.

Andy Reid released the following statement Monday afternoon:

“As you all know, my son Garrett battled addiction for many years. While there were some victories along the way, it ultimately was a battle that he lost and that cost him his life. Our family feels the pain of that loss every day.

“Today’s report saddens me greatly, but only confirms the troubles Garrett encountered in the final years of his life. As parents, we were encouraged by his apparent progress but, like many addicts, he was able to conceal the signs of relapse.

“Jeffrey Lurie, the Eagles organization and the people of Philadelphia have been remarkably supportive of my family throughout our ordeal. I am confident that my son’s decisions did not affect our football team in any way. I cannot apologize enough for any adverse appearances that my son’s actions may have for an organization and a community that has been nothing but supportive of our family.”

Added Lurie:

“The news today on Garrett Reid’s possession of steroids is disappointing. It’s clear the conduct in which he apparently engaged runs counter to the values and principles mandated for everyone associated with our organization. We have spoken with the league office and have pledged our full cooperation with their requests should there be any. While we remained saddened by the tragic end of a young man’s life and know how hard this must be for the entire Reid family, we are extremely confident that Garrett’s actions were unknown to those around him and did not involve our football team.”

A coroner said in October that Garrett Reid died of a heroin overdose. He was found in a dorm room at Lehigh University during Eagles training camp.

Morganelli said in October that investigators found 47 syringes and 65 needles in Garrett Reid’s gym bag, along with 19 vials of an unknown liquid.

Garrett Reid had been helping with the Eagles’ strength and conditioning department during training camp.

“He’s gone,” said one of the Eagles’ offensive starters Monday. “I don’t even want to think about it. It’ over.”