High Times in the SEC - jmik58's Blog

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jmik58's Blog

High Times in the SEC Stuck

Posted on June 6, 2012 at 12:39 PM.

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SEC schools seem to have a chronic problem. According to an Associated Press investigation, the conference home to the past six BCS national champions is also very good at giving a pass when it comes to puff-puff-pass.

The study, which collected information from eleven schools (Vanderbilt chose not to participate), found that a wide variety of drug enforcement policies exist between the members of the SEC.

Guidelines require that a student-athlete be suspended for an entire year for their first positive test when administered by the NCAA. However, the logistics and financial burden of an NCAA-led drug testing program aren't feasible. Therefore, individual schools are allowed to administer tests and develop policy relating to punishment for positive tests.

But why doesn't the NCAA step in and do something about the positive tests?

The short answer is; they can't. Privacy rules prevent the NCAA from obtaining test results from the schools. Testing records stay confidential and SEC teams are left to crack the whip at their discretion -- some with a softer blow than others.

Stricter policies -- a relative term in the SEC -- at places like Auburn and Georgia threaten the loss of half a season if a player tests positive a second time. Schools like Florida, however, believe in the power of the third chance. And fourth. And fifth.

But is the marijuana argument really an issue or an out-of-touch debate that has failed to grab hold of the progressive movement of modern day enlightenment? As the old-timey institution of college football has ditched its anti-playoff ways, should the rest of the country accept that perhaps canibus is just American culture?

According to ESPN, the report uncovered that 26.7 percent of football players engaged the green stuff in 2009 -- an increase in usage of 5 percent over the previous study in 2005.

But is marijuana use even the issue? The larger concern may be in the SEC's lax policy when it comes to high standards.

Florida's "six-strikes-and-you're-maybe-out" policy would be hard to trump.

Except Ole Miss has found a way to do it. It's not even clear what the policy is for Eli Manning's alma mater. The Runnin' Rebels don't have a magic number to trigger the auto-boot from the program.

But be careful. A second positive test can get free tickets revoked from your family or earn you community service at the city landscaping department.

At least they'll be mowing the grass this time.

Do you have a problem with the SEC's drug enforcement policy? Do you feel the SEC promotes low standards for student-athletes?

Justin Mikels is a staff writer for Operation Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @long_snapper.

Comments

# 1 jmo2278 @ Jun 7

If you perform on the field AND in the classroom and you get busted with pot then who cares? A slap on the wrist or less would suffice. But if you aren't getting it done on the field or classroom and you are cutting class and/or getting into off field trouble AND you get busted for weed then of course strict punishment is needed.