Chicago Bears guard Terrence Metcalf was suspended for four games for violating the NFL policy on “anabolic steroids and related substances.” Metcalf insists who was not using anabolic steroids and did NOT test positive for anabolic steroids. He is telling the truth. He really tested positive for a diuretic (that is not a steroid and not a performance enhancing drug).

But given that the NFL’s steroid policy includes all performance enhancing drugs and doping masking agents, the general public assumes violations of the policy involve steroids. Any athlete who is found in violation of this policy must, fairly or unfairly, defend themselves against the societal stigma of “steroid use”.

The Bears will be without Terrance Metcalf for the next four games after the guard tested positive for a diuretic during a random drug test during the preseason. Becuase they can be used to mask steroid use, they are among the banned substances for players in the NFL. Metcalf says he’s never taken steroids and isn’t sure how a diuretic got into his system.