An Overview of the Newest Drug Guidelines for Major League Baseball Rules

In the wake of exciting homerun races displayed by hulking, larger than life baseball players, Major League Baseball had to stand up and raise the question. Are Major League Baseball players using performance-enhancing drugs to put on the displays that have been seen over the past few years?

Yes, everyone enjoyed watching those few extra talented guys round the bases over and over again, but was that really them? Were children everywhere sitting in stands, or watching from home with gleaming eyes as history was being made? Or were they viewing something less genuine? Was the recent overwhelming success of some professional baseball players all due to drugs?

Late last year, new rules were passed to begin cleaning up a sport that is entrenched in America’s history and identity. Some argue that the new rules are not enough. Others believe that the MLB an Players Association have made great strides in the right direction. Either way, Major League Baseball has faced up to the fact that some players may be using performance-enhancing drugs.

In an attempt to sanitize American’s national pastime, the Major League Baseball and Players Association passed new policies concerning drug and steroid testing. The policies passed in the latter part of 2005 are much more rigorous than the previous ones. The crackdown places tougher standards on steroid testing and amphetamine abuse, which was previously ignored, is addressed.

The punishment for testing positive for steroids follows a three strikes. The first time a player tests positive for steroid use, they are suspended for 50 games. The second offense carries a suspension of 100 games. The third time a player is found to have used steroids; his career in Major League Baseball could be over. But the player is not necessarily out. He will be banned for life, but after two year of suspension, the Commissioner can decide to overturn the decision. So basically, if a player repents and proves that he is worthy of reinstatement, he can get away with using steroids several times.

The punishment for possession of illegal steroids carries similar penalties. A first time offender will be handed a 60-80 game suspension. The second time a player is found with illegal steroids in his charge, he will sit out 120 games to one year of his career. The third conviction carries the lifetime ban with the chance of reinstatement after two years, by the Commissioner.

Amphetamine use has more lenient punishments. The first time a player tests positive for banned amphetamines, he will face mandatory retesting. The Second positive amphetamine test carries a 25 game suspension. The third offense will sit a player out for 80 games and the fourth time a player is found to have taken banned Amphetamines, he will be issued a suspension of the Commissioner’s choice. Anywhere from a number of games to the, slightly less ominous than it seems, lifetime ban. Of course, as with steroid possession and distribution, the option of applying for reinstatement if the Commissioner sees fit.

The initial Amphetamine possession charge carries a 30 game suspension. On the second time around, a player will sit out 30-90 games. On the third Amphetamine possession charge, the player will serve a year. On the fourth possession charge, the Commissioner will issue a punishment that he sees fit. Being convicted of distribution of banned Amphetamines will cost player 60-90 games the first time. A player convicted twice of distribution will serve a two-year suspension and the third charge will be punished however the Commissioner sees fit.

All Major League Baseball players can expect to be tested during preseason checkups and again on an arbitrarily chosen day during the season. Sporadic tests will be issued in conjunction to their standard preseason and season testing. Players can be subjected to mandatory drug tests no matter how many times they have been tested. Off-season drug testing is also possible. Leaving those that dare to dabble constantly on their toes.

Some of these punishments may seem weak. The efforts of Major League Baseball to address drug issues may seem late, but this is a start. They’ve admitted that there is a problem and steps have been taken to help relieve that problem.

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