PGA Tour's Controversial Drug Testing Kicks Off At AT&T National
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Mediate Calls PGA Tour's Drug Testing Policy
"The Biggest Joke In The History Of The World" |
The PGA Tour this week will launch its anti-doping program at the AT&T National at Congressional Country Club, and the "entire concept remains controversial," according to Bob Harig of ESPN.com. Golfer Rocco Mediate said of the testing, "It's the biggest joke in the history of the world. You could sit in the parking lot and drink a fifth of vodka, and you might get a fine. But if you take Vick's Vapor Rub, you've got to go through the whole system. ... If you drink a protein shake, and it metabolizes wrong, you're done. It's stupid." Mediate added, "I don't have a problem with drug testing, just the way it's being done. Why don't we do our own deal? And they follow you in (to a restroom) to take a piss? C'mon, it's bull----." But PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem said, "You just can't avoid it anymore. It's just too prevalent. Too many other sports are having issues." The Tour last year gave players a 40-page manual "summarizing the rules and making clear what is allowed and what is not." Golfer Brandt Snedeker: "We've all turned into label readers in the last few months. Guys take supplements, and there are certain things you can't have." Golfer J.J. Henry added, "I had a cold three weeks ago and I had to go look through this little book and was wondering if I could take this cough suppressant or if I can't." Harig noted through the program, which is being administered by the National Center for Drug Free Sport, golfers can appeal any positive test, and Finchem "can use his discretion on penalties." Because the tests are random, the Tour "will not discuss specifics." All players are subject to testing "both during and outside of competition, so a player who is injured ... could, in theory, be tested" (ESPN.com, 6/30).
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