The National Basketball Players’ Association (NBPA) announced that they have entered into a relationship with Abbott Nutrition’s EAS? brand, a leader in sports nutrition.
Abbott Nutrition, which develops EAS science-based sports nutrition products, will supply product to the association for their members, and the organizations will also work together on educational programs. In addition, EAS will have a presence at select NBPA- sanctioned events.
Abbott Nutrition is also proud to announce that Chicago Bulls’ Ben Gordon is the EAS brand’s newest professional athlete endorser ? joining an elite group of athletes known as Team EAS. Gordon will be involved in a number of marketing initiatives.
“Given the rigorous drug testing procedures and policies that NBA players are subjected to, we are always concerned that players do not inadvertently take products containing banned substances,” said Billy Hunter, Executive Director, NBPA. “We are providing players with an option designed to help eliminate that possibility, because of the thorough additional testing that is required for all products received by players under this program. We are pleased that Abbott Nutrition is committed to providing assurances that their designated EAS products conform with our Drug Policy and safety standards.”
The EAS products included in the certification program undergo an additional testing and verification process, conducted by an independent, third-party testing organization, to ensure that products do not contain any banned substances and that product labels accurately state product ingredients.
The relationship with the NBPA expands the EAS presence in professional sports. EAS is currently the only sports nutrition brand with products certified by a third-party testing organization as part of the NFL and the NFL Players’ Association Supplement Label Certification Program.
Gordon, entering his third season with the Bulls, is one of the top young players in the NBA. He was named the league’s Sixth Man of the Year as a rookie in 2004-05, and last season averaged just under 17 points per game to lead the Bulls to the NBA Playoffs.
“We’re proud to be working with the NBPA, ” said Chris Hickey, EAS Brand Director. “This relationship further demonstrates Abbott Nutrition’s leadership and commitment to developing science-based EAS sports nutrition products that meet the specific needs of professional athletes, as well as athletes of all levels.”