Don?t tell Rob Caldwell and Tyler Tidwell that the Naval Academy looks the other way when it comes to drug testing student athletes.
The Midshipmen, both starting linebackers for the 8-3 Midshipmen, submitted several samples for random drug tests this season alone. Tidwell admitted to being tested five times, while Caldwell said he was tested four times. Both tested negative on each occasion.
Tidwell?s and Caldwell?s disclosures come on the heels of the Naval Academy admitting that two members of the football team tested positive for a banned anabolic agent in January 2005 following a test required by the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
This revelation ? along with the service academy?s handling of the subsequent investigation ? led to the obligatory calls for a “thorough investigation” by congressmen, talking heads and others pumping themselves up on the tragedy of steroids in sports. A closer examination raises the question: Are steroids really the problem at the Naval Academy, or is how we test?
First, right after the two players tested positive, the Academy dealt with the students under its administrative conduct system. It also, in conjunction with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, launched its own inquiry independent of the NCAA.
That probe identified five other student athletes who possibly used a banned anabolic agent. The school then tested, and cleared, those students in question. These steps were not required under NCAA regulations.
That right there is the larger issue at hand.
While the NCAA is very clear about a one-year ban for positive tests it administers ? including in the case of the two Midshipmen ? the association gives its institutions wide discretion on the penalties they deal out for tests they administer on their own. That is even if those schools conduct any other tests.
Locally, schools like the University of Maryland, -Baltimore County and Coppin State administer their own additional, independent tests, although they handle them far differently. UMBC conducts its test when “just cause for concern” exists. Then, the college examines each case before taking action when someone tests positive, said senior associate athletic director Kathy Zerrlaut
Coppin?s testing system is more comprehensive with strict guidelines on sanctions. A first positive test leads to mandatory counseling for the student-athlete, followed by a two-week suspension for a second positive test. Finally, student athletes will be suspended indefinitely and could lose scholarships for a third positive test.
Towson and Morgan State concentrate even more on preventative educational programs. Morgan State Athletic Director Floyd Kerr said his school looked into additional drug testing. But the $20,000 to $30,000 annual expense proved to be too steep a price for his small, public institution.
Steroid use among our nation?s athletes is a serious issue. However, instead of making a mountain out of a molehill like some are doing with the Naval Academy, Congress and others in power should look for ways of providing all schools with the resources to deal with the ever-complex world of performance-enhancing drugs.
And then with everyone on a level playing field, the NCAA can do the right thing and establish uniform testing policies and sanctions. That would prevent situations like the one with the Naval Academy where a loophole in the rules put the service academy in the unenviable position of explaining why perception is far worse than reality.
Ron Snyder is a staff writer at the Examiner. He can be reached at [email protected].
