NBA

Stern seeks to widen league's drug testing

CHICAGO - The NBA and its players' union are discussing expanded testing for performance-enhancing drugs, and commissioner David Stern said Wednesday he is optimistic it will be part of the new labor agreement.

The league already tests for recreational drugs and more than a dozen types of steroids. But with steroid use by professional athletes and the impact they have on children under increasing scrutiny, Stern said he believes the NBA should do more.

Stern said he didn't have details on what the new testing program would cover or how it would work. Currently, first-year players are tested once during training camp and up to three times during the season, while veterans are tested only at camp unless there is probable cause for additional testing.

Odds that Phil Jackson will return to coaching next season apparently have increased a bit.

"I'll move the needle to 51-49 in favor of coaching," his agent said Wednesday.

Several teams are interested, including the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks. Other possibilities are Cleveland, Portland and Minnesota.

Jackson, 59, guided the Lakers to three championships in five years.

FAN CHARGED: Dennis W. Pauley, 31, a Detroit Pistons fan, was charged Wednesday with throwing an object onto the court after Philadelphia's Allen Iverson was struck with a coin during a playoff game.

[Last modified April 28, 2005, 01:19:11]