NFL players gripping their contraband smelling salts like winning lottery tickets can relax: the league won’t ban the inhalants.
The players’ union sent a memo to members clarifying the NFL ban, which strictly applies to teams providing smelling salts and any other ammonia inhalant during pregame activities, games and halftime on the sideline or in the locker rooms.
Now NFL players will be out of pocket for the inhalants, which can cost around $6.50 per dose.
‘The NFL Players Association is aware of the memo issued by the league Tuesday regarding the use of smelling salts and ammonia capsules,’ read the memo, which was obtained by The Associated Press.
‘We were not notified of this club policy change before the memo was sent out. To clarify, this policy does not prohibit player use of these substances, but rather it restricts clubs from providing or supplying them in any form. The NFL has confirmed this to us.’
The league’s recent edict on inhalants cited a Food and Drug Administration warning that such treatments could potentially mask symptoms of head trauma.
The NFL has confirmed an NFLPA memo clarifying the league’s ban on smelling salts
But just try telling that to NFL players and even coaches, who use smelling salts for the rush of energy and mental stimulation they provide.
While crashing an NFL Network broadcast at 49ers training camp in Santa Clara on Tuesday, San Francisco tight end George Kittle claimed the NFL was banning players from using stimulating inhalants.
‘I honestly came here to air a grievance,’ Kittle said. ‘Our team got a memo today that [said] smelling salts and ammonia packets were made illegal in the NFL.
‘I’ve been distraught all day,’ he continued. ;I considered retirement. We have to figure out a middle ground. Somebody help me out.’
Kittle was then asked how often he uses the stimulant, replying: ‘I’m an every drive guy. I miss them already.’
Smelling salts are also popular across multiple sports and with power lifters. Users are advised to take a ‘whiff’ of the product for enhanced alertness and energy.
The FDA previously warned smelling salts ‘can quickly lead to coughing and throat irritation’
The stimulant has previously been endorsed by Joe Rogan , who spoke at length about smelling salts during a podcast episode three years ago.
Rogan initially tried the product himself – along with comedian Theo Von – and struggled to deal with the intensity that they provided.
However, Rogan encouraged his producer to try the stimulant. He said: ‘You should take a hit! It’s not that bad. It’s not painful’.
Rogan later posted a clip onto his Instagram with the caption: ‘Our first experience with smelling salts. The great and powerful @theovon and I took a whiff of @jujimufu’s good stuff.
‘Shoutout to my friend @worlds_strongest_gay for the introduction to these fine olfactory stimulators. Holy s*** was that intense’.
In a report by ESPN last year, Dr. Joseph Estwanik of the American College of Sports Medicine also warned of the dangers that the stimulant can cause.
He explained: ‘The claim is that smelling salts arouse your consciousness and focus, but how many of us in our daily lives think it’s appropriate during a tough day at work to open a bottle of ammonia and start sniffing the fumes?’
‘Ammonia’s intended use is for cleaning. Giving a highly trained elite athlete ammonia to help them perform at their peak is like throwing a drowning man a cup of coffee.’
