The NBA, which will resume at the end of July in a closed bubble in Orlando, will not test players for recreational drugs, cannabis type. On the other hand, anti-doping controls will take place.
NBA players who have wanted to relax a little in recent weeks by smoking can rest assured that they will not be punished for it. According to journalist Shams Charania (The Athletic), one of the best-informed journalists, the North American league will not conduct “recreational” drug testing when the season resumes at Disney World (Orlando) at the end of July.
The NBA, which will have a lot to deal with from a health perspective, prefers to focus on anti-doping controls (for performance-enhancing substances), which will take place as well as before the championship break.
Sources: The NBA and NBPA have agreed to conduct performance-enhancing drug testing during resumed 2019-20 season in Orlando — but tests for recreational drugs will remain suspended.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 8, 2020
A temporary measure or a lasting relaxation of the regulation?
Separately, the Charlotte Observer reports that Hornets fullback Malik Monk, who was suspended in February for an anti-drug rule violation, has been flagging the end of his punishment by the league in recent days.
The sign of a relaxation of the regulation in this area? We’ll have to see next season, which is expected to start at the end of the calendar year. In early April, the NFL and players reached a new agreement that footballers who test positive for cannabis will be much more rarely suspended. The latter will also be less tested.
