DOZEN PLAYERS TEST POSITIVE

NEW YORK (AP) - Twelve NBA players tested positive for marijuana during
training camp last fall, The New York Times reported today.

More than 500 players and coaches were tested for marijuana and other
drugs, and the 12 positive results came from a group of 430 players who
made opening day rosters, said the report, which cited league sources who
spoke on condition of anonymity.

"This marks a step forward for the NBA," said Rob Houseman, the deputy
director of strategic planning for the White House Drug Control Policy
Office. "It's a mixed bag. 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."

Marijuana, steroids, amphetamines and LSD were added to the league's drug
agreement with the players' union during the last round of collective
bargaining talks.