Marijuana and alcohol use in the NBA was examined on the
front page of Sunday's N.Y. TIMES sports section in an above-
the-fold feature by Selena Roberts. Roberts writes that
"[c]ontrary to the wholesome image marketed" by the NBA, 60-
70% of its 350-plus players "smoke marijuana and drink
excessively, according to conversations with more than two
dozen players, former players, agents and basketball
executives." Former NBA player Richard Dumas, who is banned
from the NBA for drug and alcohol use: "If they tested for
pot, there would be no league." Roberts: "Two decades ago,
the league nearly collapsed under a perception that its
athletes were high on cocaine. Now, many people are saying
the NBA's 14-year-old drug policy is so antiquated and
ineffective that it protects players despite behavior that is
illegal and commonplace." Under the CBA, the league allows
mandatory drug testing of rookies only and "does not list
marijuana as a prohibited substance" (N.Y. TIMES, 10/26).
PARTYMEN? Players interviewed said "marijuana, drinking
and clubs are part of a post-game party scene in almost every
NBA city. Cocaine, once the bane of pro basketball, has
fallen out of favor, but a fast-paced life style has been
thriving in a league that is increasingly richer and younger.
More exotic drugs are available." NBA Commissioner David
Stern said he has "serious questions concerning drinking and
marijuana," and added that if owners do reopen the CBA next
year, "the league will propose tightening the drug policy."
Stern: "I'm not saying it's a problem. But it's an issue
that we'd like to address. Beyond that, there is an
opportunity for athletes to lead as examples." NBPA Exec Dir
Billy Hunter: "I've often heard it from players that they
suspect people in management are using drugs. ... If there is
a marijuana problem, it's one reflective of society. ... I
don't intend to impose on our players more than what is
imposed on people in society." Raptors G Damon Stoudamire:
"As far as use, it's bad in the league, but I think half of
America might smoke marijuana" (N.Y. TIMES, 10/26).
