Drug Testing of Athletes

On July 19, 1985, UT announced a drug-screening program for athletes beginning in fall 1985. The tests were for 31 specific substances and were administered by team doctors during the required preseason physical examinations. The initial program did not include “spot” testing except where “medically indicated.” On January 14, 1986, the NCAA adopted a mandatory drug-testing program for intercollegiate athletes. Under the new rule, random drug testing was required for all intercollegiate athletes, with specific tests planned for all national championships and postseason bowl games. The regulation took effect August 1, 1986.

In April 1986 Athletics Director Doug Dickey announced that, effective immediately, UT athletes would be subject to random drug tests throughout the year and whenever medically warranted. The policy set no limit of tests for athletes but required that a player test positive three separate times before facing suspension. The three-step process was adopted: a positive first test—notification of the athletics director and referral of the player to the team physician and trainer for counseling; a positive second test—notification of the player’s parents and his or her head coach and requirement that the athlete enter mandatory drug counseling, along with notification to the athletics director and the trainer; a positive third test—indefinite suspension from practice and competition and encouragement to get counseling. After being suspended a player could petition the athletics director and head coach to be reinstated. In 2007 UT revamped its policy and added a fourth strike for a positive marijuana test. In February 2010 the Athletics Department announced that as of July 1, 2010, athletes would be subject to the old “three strikes and you are out” policy.

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  • Title Drug Testing of Athletes
  • Author
  • Keywords Drug Testing of Athletes
  • Website Name Volopedia
  • Publisher University of Tennessee Libraries
  • URL
  • Access Date July 19, 2025
  • Original Published Date
  • Date of Last Update October 7, 2018