NFL still pursuing interviews with Packers LBs Clay Matthews, Julius Peppers about PED allegations, per report

Amid the fury surrounding the cancellation of Sunday night's Green Bay Packers vs. Indianapolis Colts preseason contest, some significant information about the NFL's ongoing investigation into a performance-enhancing drug scandal surfaced. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the league plans to continue pursue interviews with Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers regarding any potential involvement.

The PED accusations first rose when a report from Al-Jazeera America linked Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning with Charlie Sly, a former anti-aging clinic intern who claimed Manning and other NFL stars had used the clinic to acquire human growth hormone and other substances banned by the league. Sly later recanted his statements, but the NFL determined that the situation required a deeper look.

Several of the players named by Sly eventually submitted sworn affidavits to the league office, but the NFL contends that the CBA mandates further involvement. The NFLPA has argued to the contrary, creating a stalemate that persists today.

It remains unclear whether the NFL can compel Matthews, Peppers and others to comply or if the NFLPA can force the league to cease and desist. Likewise, the league's ability to punish the players if they choose not to cooperate could result in another hotly contested topic.

Matthews and Peppers have made no public indication that they plan to communicate further with the NFL.