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Texas steroids testing nets 2 offenders

State spending $6 million to catch prep athletes using unauthorized drugs

By Paul J. Weber | Associated Press

July 25, 2008

DALLAS — The nation's largest steroids testing program caught only two Texas high school athletes taking unauthorized substances out of more than 10,000 students who were tested, according to results out this week.

The results issued Wednesday renewed criticism about the two-year, $6 million program approved by lawmakers last year.

The two students who tested positive were not identified by name, school or sport. Documents obtained by The Associated Press showed that a senior tested positive for the anabolic steroid boldenone, and a 10th grader was found using a steroid called methylandrostandiol.

Four tests came back unresolved and three students refused to be tested, according to figures released by the University Interscholastic League. One athlete left a testing area without cause or approval, and 18 missed the mandatory testing without an excused absence.

A critic of the program, Texas Republican state Sen. Dan Patrick, said the initiative is a "feel good" program that is not acting as a deterrent and should be abolished.

"It's turned out to be a colossal waste of taxpayer money," Patrick said. He said he would rather spend the money battling alcohol abuse among teens, arguing that is a much bigger problem.

University Interscholastic League spokeswoman Kim Rogers said the two students who tested positive are multisport athletes.

Testing was conducted at 195 schools, covering 6,455 boys and 3,662 girls. Many participated in more than one sport. More than 3,300 football players were tested, more than three times the number of any other sport.

A supporter of the testing program urged its critics to allow a full year of testing before judging its effect.

Don Hooton of Plano has implored state governments to pass steroid legislation since his 17-year-old son, a high school baseball player, killed himself in 2003. Doctors believe Taylor Hooton became depressed after he stopped using steroids.

Testing started in February after the program was stalled while guidelines were created and a company was chosen to implement the program.

Testing resumes in the fall, and state officials say 40,000 to 50,000 athletes will be screened during the school year.