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‘Testing’ time for ML Baseball players
by : Alan Cross
Date : Fri, 14 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT
A stricter steroid testing policy for Major League Baseball was introduced Thursday, by Commissioner Bud Selig. ‘Tougher’ it is, compared to the last policy which let off offenders with little more than a slap on the wrist. lt;br / gt;
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Now a first positive test would get the player a 10-day suspension. A second positive test gets him a 30-day ban. The third time he tests positive, he gets a 60-day ban; and the fourth time he tests positive he’s off the field for one whole year. Besides the suspension there would be no pay for the period. If the player tests positive for the fifth time, he would then be subject to disciplinary measures as determined by the commissioner. lt;br / gt;
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It is hoped that these disciplinary steps will keep the game clean and also level the playing field. A spokesperson for the team said this tough new policy would remove all the previous tarnishes that some players brought to the game. “It is in the interest of the game, as well the health of the players, after all they are the role models for millions of young Americans.” said a spokesperson for the team. lt;br / gt;
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However, a member of the World Anti-Doping Agency felt the new policy leaves a lot of latitude. He felt “It’s not the ‘zero tolerance policy’ which the commissioner had promised, but at least it’s a step in the right direction.” lt;br / gt;
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The previous rules were so lax with the players that a first positive test only resulted in treatment; and a second positive test resulted in a 15 day suspension. It took five positive tests to impose a year-long ban on the player. lt;br / gt;
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The embarrassment caused to major league baseball by Barry Bonds and Jason Giambi is not likely to be forgotten easily. A government investigation in a California laboratory had spilled the beans on these sluggers. Since then the game has come under the unrelenting, watchful eye of the government. lt;br / gt;
2004, the first season of testing with penalties came up with no positive tests. lt;br / gt;
The new rules run apply until December 2008. lt;br / gt;
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The new program is criticized also for the fact that there are no tests for stimulants like amphetamines or ‘greenies’. lt;br / gt;
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Players are tempted to dope because the pressure to perform is too great. “Plus, there’s a lot of money out there. Home-run hitters are paid handsomely.” said a senior sports columnist. It is likely that despite the new stricter policy, some players might still be tempted to push their luck. lt;br / gt;
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