August 3, 2005
Gamecocks implement new '4 strikes' drug policy
Under a revised policy implemented last week, South Carolina football players can now test positive for "recreational drugs, alcohol and anabolic steroids" (NCAA banned list) at least three times before being dismissed from the team. The new "four strikes" policy is being implemented by USC AD Eric Hyman just months after star RB Demetrius Summers was kicked off the team for violating South Carolina's old "two-strike" policy.
Under the new program, athletes will be penalized as follows:• A warning from Hyman and regular testing for a minimum of a year for a first positive test
• A suspension for 25 percent of the team’s competition for a second positive
• A one-year suspension for a third positive. During that time, the athlete is allowed to remain on scholarship and practice with the team, but cannot travel to or dress for games.
• A dismissal for a fourth offense
Suspension and/or dismissal for any positive test is at the head coach’s discretion.
USC will still use both random & scheduled testing throughout the year, including the off-season. Athletes must submit a supervised urine sample either at a facility designated by the university.
Of the twelve SEC teams, only Florida (and now USC) have four-strike policies. Georgia and Vanderbilt both dismiss athletes after a third positive test, while LSU athletes are suspended for a year after a third offense.
Comments:
gaffbag said:
posted on August 3, 2005 12:34 PM — 138.88.185.10 — link — abuse?
Yes, I love it when teams lower the bar for expectations of student athletes. I am sure the character and lives of these individuals will benefit greatly from the increased leniancy towards the use of illicit substances.
Thank you Mr. Spurrier, I almost forgot what college football was like with you on campus.
Chuck said:
posted on August 3, 2005 10:39 PM — 70.248.87.65 — link — abuse?
WOW!!! Poor College kids. Why don't we just let them test themselves. Let's use the " HONOR " System. Coaches turn a blind eye anyway. If the coaches salary depended on this one, two, three, four strike policy, I bet we could clean up the problem. LSU just let a player back on the team who was arrested for transporting Steroids from Juarez Mexico. Illegal activity, drug smuggling, AH!!!! I'm sure he was just a victim like the rest of them. He's from El Paso !!! He Knew !!!
Gary Donovan said:
posted on August 4, 2005 8:13 AM — 24.242.120.176 — link — abuse?
What kind of message are we sending to our youth. Kids look up to upper level athletes already, and this just let each high school player know that we will just slap your wrist if you use ILLEGAL durgs. Baseball players now face a 10 game suspension for the first positive test, Hmmmm maybe that is the message we should send. Steve is this the only way you can keep a team together.
James said:
posted on August 4, 2005 12:37 PM — 152.163.100.139 — link — abuse?
What a joke!!!! What is the world coming to? Colleges (They are just one part)are suppose to be getting kids ready for the the real world and life and then we have USC doing something like this. In the real world, you don't have four chances. You are very lucky to have two chances. Most people only get one chance. I will be the first person to say that I want to win at something or have my team win but winning is getting too big. At the rate we are going, These kids may be winners at football but will be loser in the main game (Life).
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Nick Billow said:
posted on August 3, 2005 11:48 AM — 66.67.121.202 — link — abuse?I like this 4 strike policy. I think the only flaw is that the first time offenders should be suspended for 1 or 2 of their upcoming games. If you dont do this then theyll think they can use roids until they first get caught. You want to keep them honest the whole time.