Sorry NBA players but no more needles for you as the league and the Players Association announced that they would join others sports in the war against juicing by beginning drug testing.
The actual ban is for Human Growth Hormones better known as HGH, a hormone that stimulates cell growth and regeneration in humans and other animals. So yes, it’s a bit stronger than Ray Lewis’ deer antler spray.
HGH is most commonly used to treat children with growth disorders, but has now found its way into pro athletes looking for an edge.
The testing for NBA players begins at the start of the 2015 training camps. The players will be subject to three random drug tests, two of which will be in-season and one in the off-season.
The players may also be subjected to reasonable cause tests for HGH, which means that if the NBA or NBPA has reason to believe that you are using HGH, they can test you for it. It’s one of those “watch out” and “don’t do stupid” type scenarios.
What is most interesting is the penalties and suspensions that will be imposed?if a player tests positive for HGH. The NBA and NBPA came out with the most generic and industry normal three-offense punishment system. It’s three strikes?and you’re out, but this time you don’t get to bat again a few innings later.
The first offense is a slap on the wrist.
A?20 game suspension for violating league policy.
The second offense stokes the fire.
A?45 game suspension for violating league policy.
The third offense gives you the Adrian Peterson treatment minus the restatement.
Immediate dismissal and disqualification from the NBA.
This new three strikes and you’re out policy will become the NBA’s new motto, then again have the ever really had a motto besides “dunks and stuff.”
These tests will most certainly highlight some bad eggs in the NBA and maybe in the end improve the game itself. But maybe that’s just wishful thinking.
I presume that there will be mixed emotions about the new testing, but to me it shows new NBA commissioner Adam Silver’s attempt to create his legacy and distance himself from David Stern who is finally gone… Praise Jesus!!!
