The use of performance enhancing drugs in sport has been an issue for many years now but it has received even more attention in recent months, especially in the wake of the Lance Armstrong scandal, and more big-name baseball players being revealed as drug cheats. The NBA has always maintained they feel confident that their group of players do not use PED's, but outgoing Commissioner David Stern says the league is close to introducing a new test for Human Growth Hormone (HGH), possibly as early as next season.

From The New York Daily News:

The commissioner, using baseball’s juicing issues as a springboard, told a Minnesota radio station Wednesday that he expects to have players tested for HGH next season, mimicking the stated goal of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

Baseball will start in-season testing for HGH this year. The NBA reportedly has been waiting for a reliable testing procedure.

“We watch what’s going on in baseball, we watch the negotiations that are going in with football, and it is my expectation that by next season (we) will be doing blood testing for HGH,” Stern told WCCO radio. “Our players have been terrific. They lead this in some ways, saying, ‘We do not want to have anything less than the best.’ That’s been the way it’s been since 1983.”

Veteran players agreed with Stern, with Jerry Stackhouse noting that the longtime commissioner — who is stepping down next February — deserves the benefit of the doubt.

Stackhouse, 38, also said he has been clean throughout his 18 seasons, leaving him with no sympathy for users.

“With the aches and pains I have, test them for whatever,” said the Nets guard. “Because if they’ve been playing longer than I have and cheating, then they need to get caught. But other than Gatorade and some glucosamine and chondroitin, that’s about all I’ve taken. But we’re going to do what we can to stay on par with the other leagues.”

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