. 2018 Jun 22;10(5):419–426. doi: 10.1177/1941738118782688

Table 2.

Punishments for positive growth hormone tests by league

League	Punishment (First Positive Test)	Second Positive Test	Third Positive Test
NFL⁴⁵	4-game suspension	8-game suspension	2 season suspension; must apply for reinstatement
MLB³⁵	80-game suspension	162-game suspension	Lifetime ban; may apply for reinstatement after 2 years
NBA⁴¹	20-game suspension	45-game suspension	Lifetime ban; may apply for reinstatement after 2 years
NHL⁴⁶	20-game suspension	60-game suspension	Lifetime ban; may apply for reinstatement after 2 years
NCAA⁴³	1 year suspension, 1 year loss of eligibility	Lifetime suspension, loss of remaining eligibility	—

MLB, Major League Baseball; NBA, National Basketball Association; NCAA, National Collegiate Athletic Association; NFL, National Football League; NHL, National Hockey League.