Bucs/NFL

Amphetamine rules stiffened

By TIMES WIRES and DAVE MURPHY
Published June 28, 2006

NEW YORK - The NFL has toughened up its drug policy, adding amphetamines to the list of banned performance-enhancers starting this season.

Amphetamines were previously listed as a "substance-abuse drug," but are now in the same category as steroids and other enhancers that carry much stronger penalties. This season will serve as a transition year, where a first positive test would bring a warning and put a player into the drug program.

But in 2007, amphetamines will be tested for on a regular basis. A first positive test will result in a four-game suspension, the same penalty now levied for positive steroids tests.

PLAYERS SUE LEAGUE: Seven current and former NFL players have sued the league and its union to recover $20 million they lost in an alleged fraud scheme, claiming the union endorsed the services of an investment firm even though its manager had liens against him.

In a lawsuit, filed Friday in U.S. District Court, the players said the league and the NFL Players Association are liable for the losses because of investments with hedge fund manager Kirk Wright.

ARENA FOOTBALL: With the deadline to re-sign potential free agents looming, the Storm agreed Tuesday to a one-year contract with lineman Rod Williams that will keep Tampa Bay's third-longest-tenured player around for another season. The 6-foot-3, 300-pound lineman will enter his ninth season with the Storm. Williams played in eight games before an Achilles injury ended his season. The Storm has until Friday to re-sign free agents before they hit the open market. Lawrence Samuels and quarterback Shane Stafford are among the notable Storm players who could enter free agency.

- DAVE MURPHY, Times staff writer

[Last modified June 28, 2006, 06:35:11]