The PGA Tour has announced that it will begin it's speculated drug testing policy as early as July of 2008, with penalties that range from year long suspensions to outright banning from the tour for 3 time offenders. Tim Finchem, PGA Tour Commissioner, says that players can be tested anywhere, anytime without prior notice and that in addition to suspensions for violating the policy, fines of up to $500,000 could also be assessed, depending on the severity of the offense. Finchem said violations for recreational drugs, such as marijuana or cocaine, could be treated differently from steroids. The program allows the commissioner discretion to require treatment instead of sanctions, or a combination of the two.
A list of the banned substances will be distributed to the players in the coming months along with educational material to familiarize them with the program.
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