Pubdate: Wed, 21 Aug 2002 Source: SF Weekly (CA) Contact: 2002 New Times Inc Website: http://www.sfweekly.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/812 Author: Tom Flynn Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing) Note: The Diet Coke line was added by SF Weekly editors. THE STRAIGHT DOPE As long as they don't test for diet Coke: Thanks to Matt Smith for pointing out the dire threat to civilization caused by drug-using professional athletes, and thus the urgent need for government-mandated drug tests ["This Is Your Sport, on Dope," Aug. 7]. I'm sure the DEA and FBI would be glad to offer their expert assistance in setting up such a testing program and in enforcing the appropriate criminal penalties. Keeping in mind that, among other things, these tests search for such known performance enhancers as ephedrine and marijuana, I assume Matt Smith would fully support mandatory drug tests (and subsequent criminal prosecutions after testing positive) for professional journalists as well? Tom Flynn Mission - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk