OF 430 NBA PLAYERS, 12 SAID TO TEST POSITIVE FOR MARIJUANA

NEW YORK -- Less than 3 percent of NBA players reportedly failed drug
tests during training camp.

Out of the 430 players on opening-night rosters, 12 tested positive
for marijuana, according to Monday's editions of The New York Times.

The 12 players, who were not identified, face five-game suspensions if
they test positive three times.

Under terms of the league's drug agreement with the players' union, a
first positive test results in mandatory aftercare, and a second
positive test can result in a $15,000 fine.

Marijuana, steroids, amphetamines and LSD were added to the drug
agreement during the last round of collective bargaining talks.
Previously, players were only tested for cocaine and heroin.

Last summer, players were told when they would be tested.

Any veteran who tested negative will not have to give another urine
sample until the start of training camp next season.

"It's a mixed bag," said Rob Houseman, the deputy director of
strategic planning for the White House Drug Control Policy Office. "On
one hand, it's probably accurate 12 out of 430 players did test positive.

"Part of that is, they knew when the tests were going to be given.
Part of that also has to do with a tremendous deterrence effect. That
shouldn't be discounted."

Coaches also were tested for marijuana.

Players cannot be dismissed from the league for marijuana use, but a
single positive test for cocaine, heroin, amphetamines or LSD can
result in banishment from the game. A player can request reinstatement
two years after the date of his dismissal.

Stanley Roberts of the Philadelphia 76ers was expelled from the NBA
earlier this season after testing positive for an amphetamine-based
drug.

He tried to join a team in Europe, but FIBA -- the governing body for
international basketball -- decided to honor the NBA's suspension and
also banned Roberts.