Pubdate: Thu, 26 May 2005
Source: Oklahoman, The (OK)
Copyright: 2005 The Oklahoma Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.oklahoman.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/318
Author: Associated Press
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)

OHIO STATE TO EXPAND RANDOM DRUG TESTING

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Days after drug charges were brought against two 
football players, Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said Wednesday the athletic 
department is expanding its drug testing.

"When there's more testing (there are) more opportunities for a guy to slip 
up," Tressel said at a news conference at the team's practice facility. 
"But that's a good thing. Because in my mind, the more highway patrolmen 
there are along the interstate, the more you're going to watch your speed."

Several football players, however, maintained they don't believe there is a 
pervasive problem with drug and alcohol abuse in the program. They said 
part of the reason the team members have been charged is they are under 
increased scrutiny because they are football players in a football-crazed city.

All athletes are currently tested once a year for drugs and the university 
will increase random tests and double the amount of money spent on the 
program to $100,000, athletic officials said. The tests also will be more 
comprehensive to detect more types of drugs, including anabolic steroids.

"The frequency of testing and the investment is going to be significantly 
much, much more," said Tressel, who told his team of the new policy on 
Tuesday night. "The amount of counseling and support service will be 
enhanced a great deal."

During a 60-minute roundtable with reporters, several senior football 
players said they were embarrassed by the program's sullied reputation due 
to disciplinary and legal problems.

In the span of eight days earlier this month, backup kicker Jonathan Skeete 
was charged with marijuana trafficking and running back Erik Haw was cited 
after a university police officer said he saw him smoking a marijuana 
cigarette while standing outside a dormitory. Last weekend, defensive 
lineman Tim Schafer was charged with disorderly conduct after police said 
they twice had to break up early morning fights between him and another man.

"Some of the things going on in the program, they can't go on any longer," 
offensive lineman Rob Sims said.

Vince O'Brien, a trainer with the men's basketball program, is heading up 
the new expanded drug and alcohol testing program at Ohio State.

"This was in the works," he said. "I don't want anybody to think it's a 
knee-jerk reaction to anything that's happened in the last two weeks. This 
is something that's ongoing."

Gene Smith did not speak at the news conference, but O'Brien said Ohio 
State's new athletic director was the driving force behind the new policy.
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