There has been a "rash of positive tests under the steroid policy as a result of players taking water pills to lose weight," FOX 31 in Denver reported on its Web site, citing a highly-placed NFL source.
Saints running back Deuce McAllister and defensive end Will Smith were among the positive tests, according to FOX's Josina Anderson.
"There are about six to ten overall positive tests. Three to four of them are from the Saints organization alone including McAllister and Smith," the source told her.
Those two are in a group of players that have tested positive for Bumetanide, a diuretic frequently used for weight loss, but also for masking the use of steroids or other drugs.
"Most of them tested positive for Bumetanide. The last few tested positive for another substance that works similarly," said Anderson's source.
Dr. Norman Smith explained to FOX 31 Sports how it would work.
"Bumetanide makes you excrete a lot of salt and water. It dilutes the urine and makes it very difficult to test for illegal substances. There are some patients who use or abuse it where weight is critical," Dr. Smith said.
A highly-placed league source maintains weight loss was the goal. "It seems to be clear that most of these players were doing it to cut weight."
"I know that a few of these players have had weight issues."
The source suggested some players may not even know Bumetanide is a banned substance in the NFL.
All of the players who tested positive are subject to suspension, though they can appeal. Under the NFL's steroid policy, a first positive test results in a four-game suspension.
