Judge Cuts Back NCAA’s Drug-Testing Policy

In a rebuke of the NCAA’s mandatory drug-testing policy, a judge in San Jose ruled Thursday that men’s basketball and football players are the only Stanford athletes who must submit to the tests.

The ruling by Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Conrad Rushing requires the NCAA to restructure its broad policy regarding the tests, which are designed to prevent athletes from using drugs to enhance their performance during postseason championships.

The ruling, although it only applies to Stanford, is the strongest challenge yet to the NCAA drug tests and set a precedent other universities may attempt to follow.

The suit was filed on behalf of Stanford and two of its athletes--linebacker Barry McKeever and soccer player Jennifer Hill. Stanford is the first university to challenge the postseason drug tests, although athletes, including a Stanford swimmer, have done so on an individual basis.