Quote:<p style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);">The first positive test for a "substance of abuse" results in the player formally entering an enhanced testing/treatment program, where the player is tested more frequently.

<p style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);">A second positive test results in the player entering the "stages of intervention" outlined in the policy. "Stage 1" is the first stage in the policy and includes the player being referred to a "Regional Team" for his treatment. In Stage 1, the player can be tested as many times as the league's "Medical Director" desires to "adequately evaluate the player."

<p style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);">A positive test while in Stage 1 can result in a fine equal to three weeks of a player's pay and results in entrance to Stage 2.

<p style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);">A player remains under Stage 1 guidelines for 90 days, but the league's Medical Director can extend that time up to six months.

<p style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);">In Stage 2, players are subject to unannounced testing up to 10 times a month. A positive test while in Stage 2 or failure to comply with the treatment program results in a fine equal to four game checks and a four-game suspension.

<p style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);">Six-game suspensions are also possible in Stage 2.

<p style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);">Players can appeal the fine and suspension within five business days of receiving the "notice of discipline."

<p style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);">Players remain in Stage 2 for two full seasons or 24 consecutive months, whichever is shorter.

<p style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);">Players move to Stage 3 if they have two positive tests when in Stage 2 or one positive test to go with one instance when the player failed to comply with the program.

<p style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);">Players who are placed into Stage 3 remain in Stage 3 for the remainder of their careers.

<p style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);">The minimum suspension for a violation in Stage 3 is a calendar year.