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According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, the NBA and National Basketball Players Association have reached an agreement to not subject players to drug testing during the league-wide hiatus caused by the coronavirus:
Yahoo Sources: NBA and Players Association reach agreement to eliminate drug testing during coronavirus hiatus. https://t.co/jfG9oXNITU pic.twitter.com/EprylBM8Ff
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) March 16, 2020
According to Haynes, this only in effect while the league is on pause:
Players typically undergo “six random, unannounced urine drug tests during each season and off-season,” as stated in Article XXXIII of the collective bargaining agreement.
This rare agreement is only temporary, sources said.
Marijuana, steroids and performance-enhancing drugs are some of the banned substances in the league’s anti-drug program, even though some states allow recreational and medicinal marijuana use for those 21 or older.
It’s unknown at this time when, or if, the season will resume.