Raiders, Rams Offer Voluntary AIDS Testing

The Raiders and the Rams, as well as the the St. Louis Cardinals and Houston Oilers, have joined the Dallas Cowboys in offering players voluntary testing for AIDS, and several other National Football League clubs are considering taking similar action.

Meanwhile, a doctor who specializes in AIDS treatment said Thursday that it was “stupid and unnecessary” for NFL clubs to test players and have trainers wear rubber gloves to guard against the disease.

“This type of stupidity is going to put us back into the dark ages so far as educating people” about AIDS, said Dr. Peter Mansell of the Institute for Immunological Disorders in Houston.

Mansell said testing is “totally unnecessary” and that playing football has “absolutely nothing to do with the transmission of the disease.”

“Contracting AIDS (by playing football) is not as much of a risk as getting kicked in the head and dying,” he added. “I suggest they (NFL clubs) shut up and leave the business of health care to those qualified to do it.”

Despite Mansell’s contention, there appears to be a concern among some NFL players about the possibility of contracting the disease through football.

“It’s a very serious question,” Detroit Lions quarterback Eric Hipple said. “It’s a bloody game. You’re mixing blood with a lot of people. There are times when that blood is mixed with other players’ in contact. That’s a legitimate beef by the players.”

The Lions are planning to offer players and coaches an educational program on AIDS and are re-evaluating some procedures used by the training and equipment staff, according to General Manager Russ Thomas.

Reaction to the problem varied from team to team.

Miami Coach Don Shula, for example, said the Dolphins have no plans to implement AIDS testing. He said the issue was discussed with team trainers and doctors, and there appeared to be no need for testing.

Similarly, the New Orleans Saints have no plans to begin testing, nor do the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Minnesota Vikings said they will not discuss publicly any viewpoint regarding AIDS testing, and the Washington Redskins would not comment.

It is also confidential as far as the Rams are concerned. “A player who requests testing will be tested,” Ram spokesman Doug Ward said. “Otherwise, it’s not a part of our physical examination.”

The Raiders, too, said players have the option of undergoing a confidential test.