CLEVELAND, Ohio -- While most of the NFL world was still talking about the jaw-dropping actions of Myles Garrett after Cleveland’s 21-7 win over Pittsburgh on Thursday, Odell Beckham Jr. was staring at a piece of orange paper in his locker.
The sheet read: “You have been selected by the NFL drug-test program’s Independent Administrator to complete a performance enhancing substance test today.
“YOU HAVE 3 HOURS TO COMPLETE THIS TEST!”
Beckham, exiting for a post-game interview with Fox, walked down the hall asking a reporter from cleveland.com, “Man, why don’t you write a story about why the NFL is drug testing me after every game?"
A clearly frustrated Beckham then told cleveland.com he’s been tested multiple times per week through what are supposed to be random drug tests for players across the NFL. This week alone, Beckham said he was the subject of two random drug tests.
“(The NFL) made me come in Monday when we had an off day. Had a drug test," Beckham said. “Made me come in Thursday after the game. Had another drug test.
“Every week, twice a week.”
Beckham has made it clear he feels the league holds him to a different standard than any other player, be it his fashion choices on the field or the lack of yellow flags he sees following passes thrown his way. He has long had an idea the league is keeping a distinct eye on him.
While he’s coming to grips with the attention he garners from the league, the drug tests have irked him.
“Nobody is getting tested like me," Beckham said. “I know people who didn’t get tested for five months in the offseason and I’m getting tested every time."
Beckham took the drug test almost immediately after receiving the notice on his locker. He’s been tested often for years, but is frustrated with the more recent increase in tests.
He said the tests are for performance-enhancing drugs and steroids and not recreational drugs.
Beckham expects the league will treat him the same, whether he finishes with four catches for 60 yards as he did Thursday or without a catch at all.
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