HGH testing for the NFL is now on hold

NEW YORK // The NFL says it will not begin human growth hormone (HGH) testing at the start of the season due to a disagreement with the players' union over testing procedures.

The NFL was set to become the first major US sports league to use blood testing for HGH as part of the new collective bargaining agreement, but only if the players' union agreed.

The NFL had said its goal was to begin HGH testing the first week of the regular season that starts Thursday.

In other news, the league issued two-game suspensions to four players for substance abuse violations, ending a three-year court battle with Minnesota defensive tackle Kevin Williams, New Orleans defensive end Will Smith and two defensive linemen not on any current rosters, Charles Grant and Pat Williams.

Substance abuse violation suspensions were also issued to Washington's Phillip Buchanon (four games) and Baltimore's David Reed (one game).