Baseball Commissioner’s Office Issues Drug Policy in Writing for First Time

The baseball commissioner’s office Tuesday issued its first written drug policy for major league baseball since owners canceled a joint agreement with the union during the 1985 World Series.

The regulations listed in a two-page release aren’t new, but it is the first time the commissioner’s office has publicly spelled them out.

“We just want to clarify our policy so everyone understands it,” spokesman Rich Levin said.

Gene Orza, associate general counsel for the Major League Players Assn., said that putting the policy in writing will have minimal effect.

“It’s essentially the same thing they’ve adopted in the past,” he said.

The release listed four rules regarding the use of illegal drugs by players:

--The player is subject to disciplinary action by the commissioner but will not be penalized if he voluntarily participates in a treatment program.

--Any player completing a course of treatment will be required to maintain an aftercare program and will undergo testing for the remainder of his baseball career.

--A player who refuses to cooperate in a treatment program or testing will be disciplined.

--A player who has repeat-use problems will be disciplined even if a second course of treatment is undertaken.

Orza said all drug cases are still subject to review under the labor agreement between the owners and players. Under that agreement, management must prove there is just cause for disciplinary action. If the player appeals the penalty, the case is decided by an arbitrator.