NBA: Players to be tested for HGH next NBA season

National Basketball Association is stepping up its drug testing programme by having the players undergo blood testing for Human Growth Hormone (HGH) beginning next season, the league announced on Thursday. The NBA said the players' union has signed off on the random drug testing, which sees a player suspended 20 games for a first HGH violation. All players will be subject to three random, unannounced HGH tests annually - two during the season and another in the offseason. If a player tests positive for HGH, he will be suspended 45 games for his second violation, and he will be dismissed and disqualified from the NBA for his third violation. Owners and players had agreed during collective bargaining negotiations in 2011 to determine a process for how HGH testing could be implemented. This marks the first time the league has conducted blood testing.