NBA to Begin Testing Players for HGH Next Season
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Christpher Trottman/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Beginning next season, NBA players will be tested for human growth hormone, the league has announced.
This is the first time the NBA has approved blood testing for its players. Owners and players agreed during collective bargaining negotiations in 2011 to determine a process for how HGH testing could be implemented.
Testing will begin during training camp this coming fall and players will be subjected to three random, unannounced tests annually. Players will be tested twice during the season, and once during the offseason.
Players will also be subject to reasonable-cause testing for HGH.
A player will be subjected to a 20-game suspension for his first violation, and a 45-game ban for a second positive test. If a player fails a third test, he will be dismissed and disqualified from the NBA.
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