MLB, which “banned illegal performance-enhancing drugs and amphetamines, now has several teams restricting the use of energy drinks,” according to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY. The D’Backs and Astros have “stopped providing energy drinks in their clubhouse and are discouraging players from using them, citing harmful effects.” But they “can't ban the beverages because they are not prohibited in the collective bargaining agreement.” D’Backs P J.J. Putz said, "It's asinine. What are they going to ban next, coffee? Soft drinks? It's so bizarre." Several organizations, including the Brewers, “even prohibit minor leaguers from using clubhouse refrigerators to store their energy drinks.” The Astros “began taking precautions in 2009 when reliever Wesley Wright was taken to a hospital and treated for dehydration.” Wright had said that he “drank several cans of Red Bull and soft drinks before pitching that afternoon.” WADA Chair of Prohibited List & Methods Sub-Committee Gary Wadler said that there is “no evidence that energy drinks are a performance-enhancer, or should be prohibited.” Pirates P Joel Hanrahan said, "If fans can sit in the stands and drink it, why can't we drink it during games? We're human, too" (USA TODAY, 9/22).
NO SMOKING SIGN: GOLF WEEK’s Alex Miceli noted WADA “has taken initial steps toward classifying nicotine as a performance-enhancing drug.” The PGA Tour “has adopted most of the WADA list of banned substances and procedures.” PGA Tour Exec VP/Communications & Int’l Affairs Ty Votaw said, “If WADA put nicotine on its anti-doping list, the PGA Tour would review the addition and determine if it warranted inclusion on the current PGA Tour banned list. However, we do not believe that such a change is imminent.” Miceli noted if the Tour “were to ban nicotine, dozens of its members would be affected” (GOLFWEEK.com, 9/20).
