Howe Tests Positive for Cocaine

Former Dodgers pitcher Steve Howe, the 1980 National League Rookie of the Year, tested “99.9” percent positive for cocaine in a urinalysis given by the San Jose Bees.

Team President Harry Steve told the San Jose Mercury News he will ask Howe to leave the Class A Bees and reenter a rehabilitation program. The pitcher had been talking to the Toronto Blue Jays about returning to major league baseball. If Howe refuses to retire, he will be placed on the suspended list or the disabled list, Steve said. The Bees conducted the drug test on Howe Monday morning. Steve said Howe had passed eight previous drug tests administered by the Bees.