Drug Policies

Drug policies in the three other major sports:

NFL

There is random testing by an outside agency throughout the year for steroids. Ephedrine and related supplements were added July 1 to the list of banned substances.

The testing for illegal drugs takes place at announced times, such as at the beginning of training camp, and players selected randomly by a computer program can be tested during the off-season.

A player testing positive goes into the league program, which is conducted by an outside agency, and the player is subject to random testing. In addition, any player who is convicted of a crime involving illegal substances or alcohol use (such as driving under the influence) is placed into the program and can be randomly tested.

Penalties are in stages. A first violation results in a player being placed in the program, and there is no penalty. A second violation results in a player being subject to a suspension, usually four games. A third violation results in an indefinite suspension, most often set at one year. There is an appeal system, with the final decision up to the commissioner.

Steroid violators can be suspended for four games for a first violation and six games for a second.

*

NBA

Some steroids were also added to the league’s banned substances list during the last collective bargaining negotiations, and all players will be tested when training camps open in October.

Rookies will be tested four times a season on a random basis.

A player also can be tested during the regular season if an arbitrator decides, after a hearing, there is reasonable cause to believe a player has used, possessed or distributed any prohibited substance.

NBA players who test positive at training camp must undergo a mandatory counseling program. A second positive test results in a $15,000 fine, and any third or subsequent positive test results in a five-game suspension.

Penalties for illegal substances such as cocaine, heroin and PCP are much more severe than those for marijuana. A positive drug test--or a conviction or guilty plea to a crime involving one of those drugs--can lead to disqualification from the NBA.

Anyone testing positive for steroids gets a five-game suspension for the first offense, a 10-game suspension for a second offense and a 25-game suspension for a third offense.

*

NHL

Similar to baseball policy that has been in place. Only those who have admitted drug problems or have been convicted of drug problems are tested.