STEARNS OFFERED H.R. 1862, THE DRUG FREE SPORTS ACT, WITH NATIONAL TESTING STANDARD AND TOUGHER PENALTIES

Washington, May 2, 2005 - "It is clear that the leagues must step up and take a forceful stance against steroid use in their sports," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), sponsor of H.R. 1862, the Drug Free Sports Act.  "Only a few days after I introduced my bill I see progress represented in Commissioner Selig's proposal to impose a 50-game suspension the first time a player tests positive for steroid use, but I believe that professional sports should adopt a national, uniform testing standard based on the Olympic model."

Stearns, Chairman of the Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over steroids in sports, introduced the first piece of legislation addressing steroid use in professional sports.  The Drug Free Sports Act sets a simple, uniform standard for professional sports.  It follows the World Anti-Doping Agency list that our Olympic athletes currently follow, as do other professional sports.  The penalties to an athlete in this legislation are no different than they are for Olympic athletes and for certain professional sports - two years for the first violation; a lifetime ban for a second violation.  "I will be holding a hearing on this legislation soon and I expect the commissioners from the major sports leagues to testify at the hearing," added Stearns.