The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association have agreed to eliminate drug testing during the hiatus to the 2019-20 season that has been caused by the coronavirus pandemic, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.

Players were previously tested with “six random, unannounced urine drug tests during each season and off-season,” as Article XXXIII of the collective bargaining agreement states.

This is a temporary stance considering the risks of contact with those who may be infected with this rapidly spreading virus.

The league has cracked down on steroids, performance-enhancing drugs, and even marijuana as part of the anti-drug program, even if some states allow for the recreational and medicinal use of marijuana for those of age.

Players who test positive for drugs of abuse are banned from the league for a minimum of two years, and players testing positive for performance-enhancing substances are suspended for 25 games for a first violation, per CBA rules.

Wilson Chandler of the Brooklyn Nets, Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns, and John Collins of the Atlanta Hawks were found to be first-time PED offenders upon testing positive earlier this season.

Players are banned for 55 games for a second violation and receive a minimum of two years for a third violation. Testing positive for heroin or cocaine nets an automatic two-year suspension.

The pandemic nature of the coronavirus has left many wondering when and if the 2019-20 season will resume.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave a nationwide recommendation on Sunday of canceling/postponing events over 50 people for the next two months.

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