Marshall’s Viagra theory causes chuckles across NFL

CHICAGO – The idea that NFL players might use Viagra to gain an edge on the field left Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs practically in tears – from laughing.

He wasn’t the only one. Players cracked jokes about it Thursday, a day after Bears star receiver Brandon Marshall said he had heard that some players were using Viagra and hoping it would give them an advantage during games. Punch lines aside, experts say it’s unlikely the erectile-dysfunction drug would help.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Viagra is not a banned substance and declined further comment.

Marshall started it all Wednesday when asked about a growing number of suspensions tied to amphetamines, including the ADHD drug Adderall. He suggested Viagra could be viewed by players as a way to boost energy.

Dr. Olivier Rabin, science director at the World Anti-Doping Agency in Montreal, said it is unlikely Viagra does anything to improve football performance in NFL players.

University of Miami researcher Kevin Jacobs has studied Viagra in simulated high-altitude environments and “didn’t find much benefit in young, healthy, active individuals.”