Report: MLB, players stop drug testing during lockout

Major League Baseball has stopped testing players for steroids for the first time in nearly 20 years due to the expiration of the sport’s drug agreement, two people familiar with the sport’s Joint Drug Program told The Associated Press.

From the Associated Press article: "The halt in testing is a casualty of the sport’s lockout that started Dec. 2 and a provision in the joint drug agreement between MLB and the players’ association that states 'the termination date and time of the program shall be 11:59 p.m. ET on Dec. 1, 2021.' MLB and the union conducted 47,973 tests from 2017-21, including 7,327 during offseasons, according to a report in November from Thomas M. Martin, the independent program administrator. Back in late 2002, Major League Baseball reached its first joint drug agreement for survey testing 2003."

"Urine testing for PEDs with penalties for violations began in 2004 under a series of repeatedly tightened drug agreements. Testing for banned amphetamines started in 2006, and in 2012 blood testing for Human Growth Hormone began, though it was suspended last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. In December 2007, former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell issued a report commissioned by MLB that implicated 85 players in PEDs use, including seven MVPs and 31 All-Stars. Many denied the allegations," according to the Associated Press.

A "Work Stoppage Guide" was created by Major League Baseball Players Association and sent to its members. "Will Joint Drug Agreement (JDA) testing be administered during a work stoppage? read a heading on page 19. Based on past precedent in the NFL and NHL, it is unlikely that MLB can administer JDA testing during a work stoppage,” the guide said according to the Associated Press.

Teams have cut off access to club medical staff and facilities when the lockout started and the union has arranged for training facilities for players.

Current Updates on the MLB Lockout

Major League Baseball and the Players Association remain far apart on terms for a deal. Owners meet from Tuesday to Thursday in Orlando, Florida, and union staff will meet with players in Arizona and then Florida this week. Last week, Major League Baseball put in a request for federal meditation, however, the Players Association quickly rejected the offer.