SAN DIEGO — After a season that saw the opioid overdose death of a 27-year-old pitcher, Major League Baseball and the players’ union announced Thursday that players would be tested for opioids and cocaine starting in spring training on updated medication. policy.
The updated drug policy takes a treatment-based approach rather than a punitive one, as players will only be sanctioned if they violate a prescribed treatment plan after a positive test.
Changes occur as a result of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs dies in July due to a dose of opioids, such as MLB admitted it was not immune to the national opioid epidemic.
“We collectively hope that this agreement will help raise public awareness of the risks and dangers of opioid medications and positively contribute to a national conversation on this important topic,” said Dan Halem, MLB assistant commissioner for baseball administration and legal council. in a report.
Additionally, marijuana will be treated the same as alcohol in league policy, and minor league players – who are not part of the major league players’ union – will no longer be suspended for drug testing. marijuana positive.
Until now, opioids, cocaine and marijuana were classified as drugs of abuse under the Joint Drug Deal, which primarily aimed to prevent the use of banned performance-enhancing drugs and stimulants. Major league players were not tested for drugs of abuse unless there was a “reasonable reason” or they were part of a treatment program.
But under the changes, MLB will now test for opioids, fentanyl, cocaine and synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Players who test positive will be referred to a treatment committee made up of medical professionals who specialize in substance abuse, as well as representatives from MLB and the players’ union. And if necessary, a personalized treatment plan will be created. Only players who do not cooperate with an initial assessment or treatment plan may be sanctioned.
White House drug czar Jim Carroll praised the policy in a statement released by MLB for its efforts to “prioritize treatment over punishment.”
Players and team staff will also benefit from mandatory educational programs during the 2020 and 2021 seasons on the “dangers of opioid painkillers and practical approaches to marijuana.”
As part of the policy changes, natural cannabinoids (THC, CBD and marijuana) were removed from the list of drugs of abuse, allowing major and minor leagues to use them to relieve sports pain without fear of discipline.
Until now, minor league players were subject to testing for drugs of abuse, such as marijuana, and could be suspended if they tested positive.
Discussions on changing drug policy began after the death of Skaggs, who he had discovered fentanyl, oxycodone and alcohol in his system when he died in his room at a team hotel in Texas on July 1. Texas authorities are investigating Skaggs’ death and, according to an ESPN report in OctoberEric Kay, the Angels’ communications director, told federal investigators that he had previously provided opioids to Skaggs and used them with him.
“I’m just grateful that the Players Association and MLB were able to tackle a serious issue in our country – which has no borders – and work together for the good of our players,” Billy Eppler said. , general manager of the Angels. ” told reporters at baseball’s annual winter meetings. “It shows a human touch.”
Drug overdoses killed more than 70,000 Americans in 2017, a record, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly 48,000 of those deaths involved opioids. Drug overdoses in 2017 caused more deaths than HIV, car accidents or gun violence at their peak, and data shows that the increase in deaths corresponds strongly with the use of fentanyls, synthetic opioids 30 to 50 times more potent than heroin and which can be fatal in low doses.
“Players are overwhelmingly supportive of expanding our drug testing program to include opioids, and want to play a leading role in helping solve this national epidemic,” said Tony Clarkthe executive director of the players’ union.
INTERIOR LOCATION
In a bid to increase fan safety after several injuries caused by foul balls hit into the stands, all 30 teams will extend protective netting at least beyond the end of the dugout, the commissioner of the MLB. ROB MANFRED announced this week at baseball’s annual winter meetings. He said seven teams will have a net that extends even further, to the foul poles, and that 15 teams typically extend their net beyond what he calls the elbow in the outfield, there where the stands extend away from the playing field on either side. . “The data shows the risk of foul balls is less when you go over those elbows,” he said.
Tyler Kepner contributed reporting.
