Both current and former NFL players have found themselves in the middle of the discussion about human growth hormone in professional football.

Reports have emerged this week that the NFL Players Association has "tentatively agreed" to human growth hormone testing for the 2013 season. As the league seeks to learn more information about the effects of HGH on current players, it appears that former players may be able to help in the process. USA Today said on Wednesday that "dozens of former NFL players will be administered human growth hormone as the NFL and its players union try to determine the impact of use on players' HGH levels."

USA Today said the plan is to have 100 former players participate in the study. Some players would be receiving a placebo while others would be given HGH. This study will help determine the maximum amount of HGH a player could have without getting suspened.

The Huffington Post has said that 40 current players will take blood tests for HGH throughout the season, with a penalty being a four-game suspension. However, this is not yet official.

The sports world reacted with mixed responses to the news. USA Today's Christine Brennan tweeted, "NFL players, #NFLPA only embarrassing themselves by not agreeing to #HGH testing." Former NFL player Shannon Sharpe told USA Today that he is not "just going to be somebody's guinea pig just to prove a point to see what's going on."

"If I talk to enough people to get enough reassurances that everything is going to be OK, then no problem," he siad. "Then I'm happy to help."