Fuzzy Bus

Major League baseball (MLB) implemented a drug testing program to rid the game of steroids and other performance enhancing drugs that have forced hardball fans to question the outstanding pitching and hitting accomplishments of such modern legends such Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and Mark McGwire, among others.

This year, America’s pastime has already dealt with positive drug testing results from two of its biggest current stars. Before the 2009 season even began, Sports Illustrated magazine broke the news of New York Yankees superstar Alex Rodriguez’s failed drug test during MLB’s 2003 survey testing for steroids. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Manny Ramirez tested positive for a banned substance in spring training and was recently suspended for 50 games in accordance with MLB regulations, forfeiting $7.7 million in salary from his two-year, $45-million contract.

NASCAR is also taking a stronger stance on substance and drug abuse to start the ‘09 season. NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield failed a random drug test and was suspended indefinitely, becoming the first driver to violate NASCAR’s tough new drug policy that went into effect this season. In a statement, Mayfield said that the combination of a prescribed medicine and an over the counter medicine reacted together and resulted in a positive drug test for a banned substance. He and his doctor are working with NASCAR and the company running NASCAR’s drug testing program to resolve the matter.

And NASCAR’s drug testing policy extends beyond the race track to the pit stop. Days after the Daytona 500, one of Mayfield’s pit crew members became the first person punished under NASCAR’s new drug testing policy for a failed drug test. More recently, two more pit crew members from other racing teams were suspended indefinitely for failed drug tests.

Among the substances NASCAR crews must be tested for are:

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Seven different amphetamines, including methamphetamine and PMA, a synthetic psycho stimulant and hallucinogen.
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Three drugs classified under ephedrine.
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13 different narcotics, including codeine and morphine.
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Ten different benzodiazepines and barbiturates.
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Marijuana, cocaine, zolpidem, nitrites, chromates and drugs that can increase specific gravity.

Many pro athletes enter drug rehab and alcohol rehab for problems with substance abuse and pay a high price for not following their leagues guidelines. Not just in the league but these people could need some real drug rehab programs.

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