The "final hurdle" to testing players for HGH this season apparently involves the NFL and union agreeing on whether Commissioner Roger Goodell will hear appeals for violations other than a positive test, according to a person who works for the league. The person sent an email Thursday to The Associated Press to update the status of negotiations between the league and the NFL Players Association. The information was provided on condition of anonymity because the sides talks about the drug policy are supposed to remain confidential. The person said that while several issues standing in the way of HGH testing have been resolved, "the final hurdle appears to be" the unions desire to have someone other than Goodell rule on appeals that involve violations of the law or "demonstrated use" of a performance-enhancing substance without a positive test. The email adds that the NFL does not "believe it is appropriate further to limit the commissioners disciplinary authority." It also says: "We have made clear to the NFLPA ... that we are not prepared to resolve issues relating to HGH on a piecemeal basis. Two years after agreeing to HGH testing in the first place, we think the goal should be to reach a comprehensive agreement on all aspects of HGH testing so that the program can be fully implemented for the current season." The league and union originally paved the way for HGH testing in the 10-year collective bargaining agreement they signed in August 2011, pending discussions to resolve various details. But two Super Bowls have come and gone -- and the 2013 regular-season opener is only three weeks away -- without a single blood test for human growth hormone having been administered. Since the current CBA went into effect, the sides have haggled over several aspects of the program, including the appeals process and the unions insistence on a population study to determine what constitutes a naturally occurring amount of HGH in NFL players. A memo sent to players by the NFLPA this week -- and obtained by the AP -- indicated that the population study process was settled, as was a tentative agreement to randomly test 40 players per week during the season. Thursdays email from the NFL employee refers to those as "agreed-upon elements regarding HGH testing." It also notes that the scientific experts in charge of determining a threshold for a positive test "plan to create a control group in addition to the pool of current player specimens" but says "there is presently no agreement of any kind involving a role for retired players in the study."Chicago Cubs Gear . The Croatian served 21 aces and hit 42 winners against Sijsling, who double-faulted to give Cilic a 4-3 lead in the deciding set. "All the players, they know me and they were really happy to see me and they were really happy that this is over for me," Cilic said. Custom Chicago Cubs Jerseys . The catch: It needs a lot of money, and it needs it fast. https://www.cheapcubs.com/ . -- Three close looks at the bucket, three misses. Wholesale Cubs Jerseys . -- Al Jefferson found a groove just in time for the Charlotte Bobcats. Cubs Jerseys 2019 .Y. -- The Buffalo Sabres have placed centre Cody Hodgson on injured reserve and recalled two players from their AHL affiliate in Rochester.Danish attacker Morten Nordstrand has spared Jack Duncans blushes after his disastrous own goal, scoring in the dying seconds to defeat Adelaide 2-1 and thrust Newcastle into the A-Leagues top six.Substitute Nordstrand, in his first game back from injury, scored a 94th-minute winner to add to Andrew Nabbouts first-half opener and cancel out Duncans goalkeeping howler, which appeared certain to throw away victory on Friday night.The calamity went down in the 68th minute when, with Newcastle well in control, Isaias curled a free-kick into the box.Attempting a two-fisted clearance on the slippery surface at McDonald Jones Stadium, Duncan instead punched the ball into the ground and then his own net.It was the 23-year-olds second match-changing mistake against the Reds this season after he clattered into teammate Daniel Mullen in the opening round to hand them a 1-1 equaliser.Nevertheless, the result marks the Jets first triumph over Adelaide in two years and caps a two-week revival thats lifted them from ninth place into, at least temporarily, finals contention.Meanwhile, Guillermo Amors last-placed defending champions sink further into the quagmire of a sorry season in which they have six points from 11 games.It wasnt for a lack of chances, and the Reds could have scored twice in quick succession when Henriques deflected shot trickled wide just before Iacopo La Roccas header hit the post in the first half.Sergio Cirio would have had one before his teammates had Duncan not put a glove on his stirring third-minute effort.ddddddddddddBut Mark Jones men were in an enterprising mood after last weeks morale-boosting 2-1 upset of PerthAnd in the end they drew first blood via one of the leagues most-improved players in Nabbout.The in-form Wayne Brown fed Devante Clut, who cleverly drew an opponent and sent a pinpoint pass to Nabbout.The livewire wingers reaction was just as precise, taking a touch before calmly drilling low past Eugene Galekovic.Though United fought for an equaliser they left their resolve in the dressing room at halftime.The Jets stayed in the hunt and Andrew Hoole found dangerous areas but misplaced his decision-making skills at the final touch.He hit the post in the dying minutes and Brown was also denied, leaving Nordstrand to seal the match with his second goal of the campaign.Magnificent result, Jones said.I got a heart attack but we played again for 90 minutes and hung in there, and no better reward than to score late and get a result.Jones described Duncans error as irrelevant.It wasnt his greatest moment this year, but hes saved more than hes let in, he said.We move on. Im not too fussed about that at all.Adelaide coach Guillermo Amor praised his team for fighting for three points instead of trying to hold onto a draw.I like one thing: the mentality of the team. Its 1-1 and the team thinks, Well go for a win, he said.We go with risk. I like this. ' ' '