PAC Says NO To PED Testing

Friday, March 1st, 2013

PAC players can continue using performance enhancing substances such as deer antler spray.

PAC Board Says PAC Players Should Not Be Subjected To Performance Enhancing Drug Testing

March 1, 2013
Vijay Singh. Ray Lewis. Stirling Bomar. At first glance, these names don’t seem to have anything in common. But upon closer examination, you will find that all of these athletes have admitted to or been accused of using deer antler spray, a banned performance enhancing substance on the PGA Tour and in other professional sports leagues.

The recent and intense media attention on deer antler spray and other performance enhancing substances sent the Phi Alpha Cup Board of Directors scurrying this week, desperate to address questions regarding the Phi Alpha Cup’s drug testing policy – or lack thereof. With so much speculation surrounding Bomar’s recent change in physique, and the shortened rehab time associated with Team 98 Captain Dave Johnson’s 2012 thumb injury, golf pundits boldly speculated the PAC Board would implement some sort of testing policy for its athletes.

However, The PAC Board surprised experts and instead released a statement saying in part, “The PAC Board acknowledges that golf is the ultimate gentleman’s game. Recognizing this fine tradition, as well as the honor and character displayed by the PAC athletes for over 8 years, we do not see any reason to question these players’ integrity by subjecting them to drug testing, random or otherwise, at this time.”

Team 97’s Steve Burr supported the Board’s announcement by saying, “That’s why many of us decided not to join the regular Tour,” raising more questions than answers about PED use in the PAC.

Team 97 Captain, Andy Sands, also praised the Board’s decision, but seemed defiant at the mere hint of monitoring his team’s performance enhancing drug regimens.

“On the record, I tell you I discourage the practice in acordance with the PAC Board’s directives. Off the record (sic), I tell you it’s an invaluable part of team training. And if it happens to go on without my knowledge, so be it. I run my unit how I run my unit.”