Pubdate: Fri, 16 Mar 2001 Source: Daily Telegraph (Australia) Copyright: 2001 News Limited Contact: 2 Holt Street, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010 Fax: (02) 9288-2300 Website: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ Author: Peter Frilingos DRUG NET TO CATCH BIG FISH Trolling for big fish in the fight against drugs is unofficially under way as the game gets deadly serious about rooting out the users who believe they are untouchable. The names of high-profile players and their habits are being bandied about in the game on a regular basis and, while some of the stories are no doubt scurrilous, many of them are so persistent ... This week's ASDA drug bust involving Wests Tigers players Craig Field and Kevin McGuinness has heightened speculation that it will be only a matter of time before some of the game's biggest names join them on the front pages. Despite objections from the Players Association and others, ASDA has the right under the terms of the players' registration agreements to test at home or wherever else they choose. In fact, players have been tested at home and during the off-season, sometimes at holiday destinations, and it is understood the regularity of testing in those areas is about to be increased. As damaging as it may be to the game's image, the message won't sink in until a Test or State-of-Origin player's name is in the frame. Until the Wests Tigers case runs its course, there will be continuing speculation about the appropriate level of punishment for players caught taking stimulants such as cocaine and ecstasy. At the moment, players are liable to be suspended for a minimum of 12 weeks for a first offence and ranging up to two years depending on the circumstances. It's debatable whether those penalties provide an adequate deterrent, because a 12-week penalty doesn't appear to take into account the potential damage to the game. Former Australian skipper and Raiders coach Mal Meninga believes that factor is all but ignored in the provisions and wants automatic life bans. I tend to agree with him. It should be a simple equation for league players - if you want to take drugs while being paid huge amounts of money you are guilty of a breach of trust to your club, fans and the game. Despite bleatings about invasion of privacy, civil rights and so on by misguided apologists, cocaine and ecstasy are still illegal substances for everyone including wealthy athletes who should know better. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth