Substance abuse policy

[TheGodInAGreyHoodie]

According to the globe

First-time offenders enter stage one of a rehabilitation program, where the focus is on evaluation over a period that could be as short as 90 days or as long as six months. There are no suspensions for entering stage one of the program, only the possibility of fines.

Players in stage one can be given a treatment plan, and if they don't follow it, they would be advanced to stage two for up to 24 months (or two seasons).

Players in stage two who fail a test, or are deemed to not be following their treatment plan, are initially subject to fines. A second failed test, or a second incident that shows a lack of following the treatment plan, results in a four-game suspension and elimination from the Pro Bowl if selected.

At that point, a player would advance to stage three and remain there his entire career. Any player in stage three who fails to comply with the program is banished from the NFL for a minimum of one year.

Players in the program are drug-tested regularly, possibly up to 10 times per month.

The NFL keeps the names of players in the substance abuse program confidential, so it is not known in what stage, if any, the 28-year-old Kaczur might be.

http://www.boston.com/sports/footba...ots_taking_wait_and_see_approach_with_kaczur/

So I am guessing Harrison is now in stage 3 and both Andrews and Kaczur are in stage 1.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

According to the globe



http://www.boston.com/sports/footba...ots_taking_wait_and_see_approach_with_kaczur/

So I am guessing Harrison is now in stage 3 and both Andrews and Kaczur are in stage 1.

It's hard to say because sommetimes players were already in the program and other times they appear to be able to end around it. Not sure if Faulk is in - he had himself tested and the league doesn't always go to the program absent positive testing. Not sure Rodney is in the program at all - his suspension may have been under the commissioner's personal conduct policy - he never tested positive, you can't for hgh - he was suspended for being outed in a high profile sting and admitting past use to the commissioner. I believe the commissioner can increase the penalty based on extenuating circumstances (like conduct detrimental to the league's image - say your first offense is a dui with injuries or is connected to a ring the feds are probing...), but he can't ramp up the level of the program you are placed in. If a guy gets through level one without incident, his next offense puts him back in level 1. If a guy gets past his 2 years in level 2, his next offense only puts him back in level 2. To get to level 3 you have to be in level 2 already and then screw up twice - like Ricky did.