Washington Capitals and NHL respone to steriod allegation

The Washington Capitals, NHL, and majority owner Ted Leonsis have released statements in the last hour. Steve Eminger also has some more to say.

NHL's Statement

"The Washington Capitals have no knowledge of any aspect of this allegation. Capitals players were subjected to no-notice testing three times in each of the past two seasons pursuant to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and there was no indication of any improper conduct or wrongdoing.

"Even though there are no specifics provided in the story and we have no reason, at this point, to believe the allegations are true, the National Hockey League takes all matters of this nature very seriously and will conduct a prompt investigation."

-- NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly

Capitals' Statement

"We have no reason to believe there is any merit to this story, but the National Hockey League and the Washington Capitals take all such allegations seriously. Capitals players have fully participated in the NHL's random drug testing program, and at no point has a Capitals player tested positive. In addition our players have been tested at international events, such as World Championships and Olympics. We welcome and will fully cooperate with the NHL's investigation."

-- Team president Dick Patrick

Here is what Leonsis had to say.

"I hope you all understand that while there is research and investigating going on that we will have to be silent as we cooperate and hope to exonerate our team and players from these allegations. Thank you for understanding."

Eminger also had more to say.

"It's pretty shocking," Eminger said. "I never once heard -- I'm not just talking about the Capitals, I'm talking about hockey in general -- a guy talk about steroids."

When I asked him about HGH (human growth hormone), which is hard to detect in urine tests, he said, "I don't even know what the heck HGH is. No. The only thing I take is coffee. I go with black coffee or mix a Red Bull with a Gatorade. But I've cut down on the Red Bull."

That's all the news I've got right now. It sounds like the NHL, Washington Capitals organization and the Caps players don't think much will happen of this. The players are innocent and the investigation should be quick.