2 at U. of Houston Fail Drug Tests

Two basketball players at the University of Houston were suspended indefinitely after failing a urinalysis test for drug use, a newspaper reported Wednesday as the Cougars and other college teams began practice.

Senior guard Ricky Jackson and junior college transfer Derek Blunden failed to pass the test given players at the university health center recently, the Houston Chronicle reported.

“They are off the team indefinitely,” said first-year Coach Pat Foster, who declined further comment. A statement issued by the university’s sports information office said the players were suspended for personal reasons.

Under the school’s drug policy, the tests were sent to a Chicago laboratory for confirmation. If a player tests positive, a coach can suspend him from further practice or competition. The players, meanwhile, are required to enter a counseling program for several weeks.

After the counseling program, the players are subject to random testing and will be suspended permanently if another test shows positive.

Jackson, a 6-foot senior guard from Miami, started nine games last season, averaging 3.7 points and 16 minutes. Blunden, a 6-6 junior from Dayton, Ohio, was recruited at Pensacola, Fla., Junior College as a second guard or small forward.