Dewhurst backs random steroid tests in high schools, By: Jim Vertuno

10/19/06

AUSTIN — Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst today called for mandatory random testing of Texas public high school athletes for performance-enhancing drugs.

Dewhurst, a Republican running for re-election next month, said the tests would be a strong deterrent to steer young athletes away from illegal steroids and other performance boosters.

Dewhurst was joined by Don Hooton, a Plano father whose son was a promising baseball player who killed himself in 2003 at age 17 after using steroids to become a bigger and better pitcher. His parents and doctors believe he plunged into a deep depression after using the muscle-building drugs.

Dewhurst offered few details of his plan. He said he would work with the University Interscholastic League to determine when students would be tested and the consequences for a positive test.

Dewhurst said he would ask the Legislature to pay for the tests, which he said would cost about $100 each.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2002 that random drug testing is legal. Most Texas school districts haven't implemented such programs, but dozens have, either with federal grant money or on their own.