Baseball’s Drug Policy

Baseball has not had a formal drug policy since the Joint Drug Agreement terminated in 1985, and cases are now handled on an ad hoc basis, meaning there is no spelled-out procedure.

According to Rich Levin, Major League Baseball spokesman, a player incurring his first drug offense can fight the charge through normal legal channels or admit he has a problem and seek help.

At that point, he would be examined by doctors who represent the baseball clubs and the players’ union, and they would recommend a course of action.

In most cases, the player would go on the disabled list and be enrolled in a drug program, which usually lasts 15 to 30 days. But if a player has incurred a second offense, there is a possibility of disciplinary action.