Stout to begin drug testing after players' steroid bust

February 8, 2007

U-W Stout said today it will require athletes to undergo random drug testing. It's in response to police searches in December that netted steroids and other drugs from the homes of two football players.

Also, the football team's 100 players will be tested this spring for commonly abused drugs such as cocaine and marijuana. Twenty-five percent of the team will be randomly tested for steroids.

Stout's announcement comes one day after a local prosecutor said he was considering expanding an investigation into steroid use among football players.

Two football players and a former player have pleaded not guilty to a variety of drug charges.

Starting next fall, all school athletes will be subject to random tests for steroids and other drugs and be required to attend sessions on the harmful effects of drug abuse. School officials will also test if they suspect an athlete is using.

N-C-A-A Division Three policies only require drug testing for athletes who qualify for championship competition, such as football playoffs.