Off-season steroid tests to increase

The NFL is tripling the number of off-season steroid tests each player can face, part of several changes to the league’s drug policy that officials will tell members of Congress about today.

Players will be subject to a maximum of six random drug tests during each off-season, up from two, NFL spokesman Joe Browne said.

The league and union also had recently agreed to add new substances to the list of banned performance enhancers, to put in writing previously agreed-to policies to test for designer steroids, and to lower the testosterone ratio threshold.

“For two decades, the NFL has had very strong programs in place to rid its locker rooms of performance-enhancing drugs,” commissioner Paul Tagliabue said in remarks prepared for testimony today before the House Government Reform Committee and released by the league Tuesday. “We have not had all the answers, but we have worked with leading institutions and top scientists to seek to stay ahead of an ever-changing curve.”

Packers’ Green arrested

Green Bay Packers running back Ahman Green was arrested in Green Bay, Wis., after a domestic violence incident.

The Brown County sheriff’s department said deputies went to his residence after a 911 call ended with a hang-up. The Pro Bowler was arrested at about 10:10 p.m. Monday after officers believed a domestic violence incident happened.

Green was taken to the Brown County jail, but he posted bond and was released.

•Tennessee Titans tackle Brad Hopkins pleaded guilty in Franklin, Tenn., to assaulting his wife.

As part of a plea agreement, Hopkins was sentenced to a year of probation and must attend anger management counseling. If he completes his sentence, his record will be expunged. Hopkins must also donate a total of $10,000 to several charities.

According to the police report, Hopkins grabbed his wife, Ellen, around the neck and choked her because she wouldn’t stop talking to an insurance agent about adding a vehicle to their coverage.

Around the league

Johnny Sample, a defensive back with the 1969 Super Bowl champion New York Jets died in Philadelphia of unknown causes. He was 67. … Running back Verron Haynes agreed to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ one-year tender offer of $656,000, and backup quarterback Charlie Batch reached a one-year deal worth $565,000. … The New England Patriots signed free-agent cornerback Chad Scott after he was released for salary cap reasons by the Steelers following eight seasons in Pittsburgh. … Cornerback Aaron Glenn, one of the original Houston Texans, was released by the team to clear room for Philip Buchanon, acquired in a trade with Oakland last week.