We mentioned last week in a PFTV segment that the league office might want to take a closer look at the meaning of the term “confidentiality” as it applies to the policies regarding substance abuse and steroids.

In two recent examples, both reported on the same day by Chris Mortensen of ESPN, otherwise confidential information got out regarding Titans linebacker Ryan Fowler and Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens.  In both cases, the players and their agents had no reason to disseminate the information.

“His or anybody’s situation in terms of the substance abuse program or the banned substances program, until there is something that’s substantiated, it’s wrong, it’s a disservice to the players whose names are involved,” NFLPA president and Titans center Kevin Mawae said recently regarding Fowler, according to ESPN.com.  “Not to speak specifically to Ryan’s case, but there are rules in the collective bargaining agreement to how these situations are handled and that’s the way we expect them from a union standpoint to be handled.”

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello, in an e-mail to ESPN.com, suggested that the leaks didn’t come from the league office.  “We agree with Kevin,” Aiello said.  ”Unfortunately, information that has to be shared with individuals outside of our office is sometimes given to the news media improperly.”

Added Mawae:  “The league is all about the image and the shield and stuff like that.  I think at some point the players’ rights need to be protected as well.  I feel bad for [Fowler] or anybody that’s in that situation.  He’s been drug tested and nothing’s ever been found. . . .  I expect it’s going to run its course and the right thing’s going to happen.”

For Fowler, the report was that he faces a four-game suspension, even though he hasn’t failed a steroids test.  As to T.O., the specter of steroids use arose from news that Owens will be subject to up to 24 unannounced tests per year after failing to respond to a phone call attempting to arrange a random test.

Regardless of who is leaking the information, the league needs to do a better job of keeping these supposedly secret facts secret.  The policies contemplate the issuance of stiff fines if/when confidentiality is breached.  To our knowledge, however, not a single person has been punished in this regard.