NFL to clear Clay Matthews, Julius Peppers of PED allegations, per report

Though Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers hoped to avoid interviewing with the NFL regarding performance-enhancing drug allegations made in an Al Jazeera report, the talks appear to have benefited both players. According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, the league found no new evidence of PED use and plans to clear the Green Bay Packers linebackers of wrongdoing.

Matthews and Peppers were among a list of NFL stars named in a report based on the recorded claims of Charlie Sly, a former intern at an Indianapolis-based medical clinic who later recanted his remarks. The affected players submitted sworn affidavits to the NFL, though the league claimed the collective bargaining agreement forced them to comply with formal interview requests or face punishment. Matthews and Peppers met with league investigators on Wednesday.

If Matthews and Peppers indeed avoid punishment, the Packers should have their full compliment of pass rushers available when the team kicks off the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars.