UNION HEAD: NBA PLAYERS WOULD BEND, BUT NOT TOO FAR, ON MARIJUANA

Not that he would ever be compared to Richard Nixon, but National
Basketball Players Association executive director Billy Hunter wanted to
make his perspective on adding marijuana to the NBA's drug policy perfectly
clear:

"This will not," Hunter emphasized, "prevent us from reaching a compromise
on a new collective bargaining agreement. But I will not agree to sanctions
that are stronger than those put upon the general public, either.

"We are not of the impression marijuana is a problem with the players.
Remember, the players association took the lead, with the NBA, to outlaw
drugs in 1983. It just hasn't been looked at in 15 years."

WHEN THE DRUG POLICY WAS FIRST implemented, the NBA's problem substances
were different than today's -- cocaine, crack, heroin, amphetamines and
downers were far more prevalent. Since then, usage of that group has
slipped dramatically in the NBA, as it has in the general public, and
marijuana has been referred to as the "drug of choice" of the league's
players. One report quoted sources as saying as many as 70 percent use
marijuana.

Hunter says there are lots of wild numbers out there but won't deny concern
- -- especially with the report of Atlanta Hawks free agent Greg "Cadillac"
Anderson admitting to his involvement in a "cocaine distribution ring."

"Let me just say the players association is against drug use and
involvement," Hunter said. "I was provided with reports from this year by
the NBA about 21 individuals who got into trouble, and it was reported more
than once. Only six or seven of those were accused of using marijuana. We
have 411 active members, so I don't call that a problem.

"What bothers me is I've been quoted of having demanded, if the drug policy
is modified, economic concessions. That isn't true. It was all out of
context in our overall negotiations. We are adamantly against the use of
drugs. What happened was I refused to negotiate in the abstract. I knew the
collective bargaining agreement would be terminated and I wouldn't agree to
a global settlement on the subject. Rest assured, if we settle on the other
(economic) issues, the drug policy modification won't hold up the deal. It
will get done."

In one breath, Hunter says the players are adamantly against drug usage. In
the other, he says there isn't a problem. Keep in mind, the negotiations
between the NBA and the players association have grown increasingly
acrimonious over the past month -- particularly with the lockout imposed by
the owners on July 1. Still, Hunter insists this is an entirely separate
issue that just happens to be coming to light at this time.

THE OTHER COINCIDENCE IS marijuana usage might be at an all-time high in
the NBA. The 70 percent figure might or might not be exaggerated, but to
talk about only six or seven players being involved with marijuana is far
more ridiculous.

Philadelphia's Allen Iverson has been dangling on the edge of drug
controversy, involving marijuana possession by friends, for two years now.
Former Washington Wizards star Chris Webber was arrested for a traffic
violation and accused of having a joint in the ashtray when he was pulled
over. And there have been more than a few players convicted of massive
possession in recent years.

Then again, there is a huge difference between having a problem with
marijuana as a way of life as opposed to occasional recreational usage --
even if it is illegal.

"When they attempted to negotiate that in globally around the agreement, we
agreed to go back later and revisit the modification to include marijuana,"
Hunter said. "We're just now getting around to it. But I think the
sanctions were oppressive -- from 10 games as a first offense and on from
there. I won't agree to something like that. I will agree to a compromise."

As for alcohol, Hunter said that has not been brought into the discussion,
but he wouldn't be surprised if it was not. As with every other sport,
alcohol is the most abused drug.

"They will probably raise that," Hunter conceded. "But that hasn't been
included yet."

Checked-by: (Joel W. Johnson)