SALT LAKE CITY
When it comes to testing athletes for drugs, there are many inconsistencies at colleges and universities, from the money spent on programs to punishments given to offenders, a newspaper reported Sunday.
The Salt Lake Tribune said it requested information from 119 schools and received some from 79.
At least 67 percent said some athletes had tested positive for certain drugs, mostly marijuana, since 2004. Thirty percent said they give random drug tests, and 21 percent require a suspension with a first positive result.
Courts in Colorado and Washington state have barred public schools there from conducting random tests. Connecticut, Utah and Texas-El Paso don’t notify a parent of a first failed test, according to the Tribune.
Some schools think an athlete might think twice if mom or dad finds out.
“I don’t know about you, but if I had to sit in on a conference call with my dad after smoking marijuana, I wouldn’t have to worry about penalties from the university,” said Phil Voorhis, head trainer at Northern Illinois.
