NFL Toughens Steroid Policy

The NFL went a step further in toughening up its steroid policy by adding amphetamines to the band substance list starting in 2007.

Amphetamines were considered a substance abuse drug, but now are grouped in with steroids and will carry harsher penalties if violated. This season is a test year and if an athlete fails an amphetamine test - he'll be issued a warning and placed in a drug treatment program.

In 2007, the drug will be tested regularly and stiffer penalties for violators will be enforced. A first positive test will result in a four-game suspension, the same penalty now given for positive steroids tests. Major League Baseball also started testing for amphetamines this season as part of its steroids policy.

In addition to the amphetamines change, the penalty for a second positive test for performance-enhancing drugs was increased from six to eight games. A third positive test still carries a one-year suspension.

All of this comes on the heels of last years congressional hearings about drugs in sports. This is good for the NFL and for baseball as well. The sticking point comes in trying to keep up with HGH - Human Growth Hormone, and all the new steroids that come down the pike.

There isn't an effective test for HGH right now and new steroids are created almost daily. Some players will always look for shortcuts to gain a competitive advantage and since they do, drugs will be furnished to help them attain their goals.

The NFL and other sports are doing a decent job with their drug policies, but they must join together with congress and law enforcement to crack down on the vultures supplying the substances in the first place. Only then can the drug problem in sports be fought on a level playing field.

It's still an uphill battle because as long as there's a demand, there's a supply. And we have a giant demand in this culture - not just in athletics but people from all walks of life are involved. Drugs are a serious threat to millions of lives and will only be defeated by collective cooperation.

The drug issue is a national issue. Sports is just a reflection of the culture it flourishes in. Only by working together can the problem ever hope to be solved.

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