Sunday, March 7, 2004
ESPN.com news services
Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damon Stoudamire took a drug test for a Portland newspaper columnist on Friday in an attempt to clear his name, the Oregonian reported Sunday.
As coach Maurice Cheeks held open the bathroom door, Stoudamire urinated in a cup, fulfilling an agreement he made five months ago with Oregonian columnist John Canzano. Last year, Stoudamire apologized to fans after being charged with possession of marijuana following a search at an airport.
"I did it because I have nothing to hide," Stoudamire told Canzano. "I didn't know you were going to test me [Friday]. You surprised me."
Stoudamire reportedly tested negative for five different drugs, including marijuana. According to the paper, marijuana can be detected if used up to 28 days prior to the test.
Stoudamire acknowledged that he expects to "catch hell" from the NBA Players Association over the unapproved test.
"If the [National Basketball Players Association] finds out that I took this test from someone other than their program, there is a likelihood that they'll be [ticked] off," Stoudamire told the paper. "If it comes to that point, I hope they understand that I wasn't trying to put a division between me and the players association. I did it because I had to do it for me."
It is unclear whether Stoudamire's action to voluntarily take a drug test risks a negative precedent with the NBA's union or those of other professional sports. In baseball, the issue of steroids has intensified amid hearings involving BALCO and star players Barry Bonds, Jason Giambi and Gary Sheffield. Sheffield recently told ESPN's Dan Patrick that he would agree to be tested, but the MLB Players Association would have to approve the test.
"God knows I gave my best in baseball at all times and no man on earth can truthfully judge me otherwise."...Joe Jackson
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