A Comparison of Current Drug Testing Programs in the MLB, NBA and NFL

概要

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Drug testing of athletes has become common in the present day sports world. Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Football League (NFL) all have drug testing programs in place. However,they are not the same. This paper will explain each league's drug testing program and then compare specific aspects. Special attention will be paid to four categories: administration, testing, treatment and discipline. The MLB program is the newest and weakest program (it only tests for steroids), while the NFL program is the most detailed (it separates its substance of abuse and steroid testing programs). The NBA program has a completely separate program for marijuana. These are just a few examples of the differences between each league's drug testing program. The definition of what constitutes a "clean ballplayer" is different from league to league. Each league's players are represented by player unions. They have an interest in protecting their players first. Also, team owners have an interest in keeping their players playing. They have big investments in both the player and the team. For the owner, professional sports is a business and while not wanting drugs in sport both sides, unions and ownership, have made the "2nd chance"an integral part of their drug testing programs for players.