New Maryland Plan Includes 3 Random Drug Tests a Year

The University of Maryland will begin a stricter drug-testing program for athletes this fall that will include three unannounced tests a year, the chancellor said Tuesday.

The tests will be administered to everyone who participates in intercollegiate athletics at the main campus at College Park. The program last year consisted of only one unannounced test plus a test for drugs that was part of each athlete’s annual physical exam.

But even the new program probably would not have prevented the death of basketball star Len Bias from cocaine intoxication, said John B. Slaughter, chancellor of the College Park campus.

The drug testing program was under review before Bias died in his dormitory room June 19.

“There is no guarantee that any testing will prevent an isolated incident” such as the death of Bias, Slaughter said.

He said the purpose of the stricter testing is to “create a program that will come as close as possible to ensuring a drug-free environment for all of our student athletes.”

The new program will be administered solely by the University Health Center, a duty that was shared with the athletic department last year.

In addition, there will be direct observation of athletes to ensure that urine samples are not switched.