DRUG TALK ALL THE BUZZ

Players Have Own Ideas On Testing

CFL Considering Abuse Program

CFL chief operating officer Michael Copeland's call for a drug abuse
program was met with mixed reactions yesterday by Argonaut players.

Copeland's urging came on the heels of the Argos' controversial
signing of Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams, who is under
suspension by the NFL for his fourth failed drug test.

The Argos were able to sign Williams because there is no drug abuse
program in the CFL and the current agreement between the leagues does
not forbid signing suspended players.

Punter-kicker Noel Prefontaine agreed the CFL should institute drug
tests for performance enhancing substances.

"I think absolutely because steroids is cheating in athletics,"
Prefontaine said. "Every other professional league has it and for the
CFL to consider itself to be a professional organization I think
there should be some form of drug testing."

Other substances were another matter. "Obviously, it hasn't been
proven that marijuana enhances performance."

Defensive end Eric England said the CFL shouldn't institute a drug
testing policy just because of Williams's arrival.

"This is what differentiates the CFL from the NFL. We treat men like
men and we aren't always on their backs about this little thing or
that little thing. You let the players play and let them do what they
do," he said.

Linebacker Michael Fletcher said he has no problem with a
drug-testing program "as long as there are resources where people can
get treatment and not just thrown out on the street after they fail a
drug test."

Head coach Mike Clemons said starting a drug testing policy is
something that will have to be determined by the players.

"We should have uniform laws to address issues and not put Band-Aids
on it and say we're going to test this little group and hold them
accountable, but not hold the rest of the population accountable," he said.

NEW CBA: The CFL and its players' association will announce today
that they have signed a new three-year collective bargaining agreement.