Laraque shines light on drug policy

BY MICHAEL GARDNER - FAN FUEL BLOGGER

While there will be debate around the credibility and motives of Georges Laraque's recent "revelation" regarding steroid use in the NHL, it is worth pausing to review some of the facts regarding the NHL's Drug Testing Program.

First let's admit that there is a major incentive to use steroids or substances like human growth hormone (HGH). Hockey is a sport that rewards size, speed, health and strength with million dollar contracts. Like solving a mystery, a motive is important but not the only factor.

That said, many players have been tested yet emerge clean, isn't that proof enough that the sport is clean?

Not necessarily. There are two very important factors you have to acknowledge.

The first is that the NHL does not allow it's players to be tested in the offseason or during the playoffs. At a time when players are asked to bulk up and be at their peak, with a million dollar paycheque as the incentive, there is no testing. At a time when injuries abound and speedy recoveries are encouraged, there is no testing.

Secondly, the test itself is only for certain steroids and even then, only via urine samples. The NHL does not test for HGH which is done through blood samples. It has also further assured its players that no sample will ever be retroactively tested based on newly discovered substances . There are no tests at any time for stimulants.

I know that there those that cannot believe their sports heroes could ever step over these lines. Not Canadian hockey players. Not my kid. Ever.

I would like to be on the side of those folks but one question has me wondering whether Laraque is offering something more than just a PR move to sell books. Here's the question, or three if you are counting:

If there is no problem in hockey, why was the NHL and NHLPA so intent on not including offseason and playoff testing? Why not test for HGH? Why not allow samples to be retroactively tested?

With serious issues like head shots and player health at the forefront of our consciousness, we would be wise to listen to what Laraque has to say before making any conclusions. There is motive and opportunity. Let's wait for the rest of the evidence.

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