Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Update on WWE's drug policy

From PWTorch:
Although marijuana is not screened for as part of WWE's random drug testing, it is on the banned substance list.
The official WWE policy states: "With respect to all substances and drugs prohibited by this Policy except alcohol and marijuana, which will be tested only if reasonable cause exists to do so."
Regarding discipline for violation of the law, WWE's official policy states: "Any Talent who is arrested, convicted or who admits to a violation of law relating to use, possession, purchase, sale or distribution of prohibited drugs will be in material breach of contract and subject to immediate dismissal."
Use of the term "subject to" does not necessarily mean they would be immediately dismissed. Violation of a drug law simply gives WWE the legal authority to void or alter a talent's contract and gives them the right to fire them.
Pot can be tested for if there is "reasonable cause." WWE’s Wellness Policy reserves the right to test any wrestler for any drugs, expressly including pot, on a "reasonable cause" basis which includes physical signs of red or droopy eyes, slurred speech, stumbling, hyperactivity, repeated disappearances at events, tardiness, chronic forgetfulness, inability to concentrate, mental confusion, paranoia, presence of abnormal thoughts or ideas, violent tendencies, extreme mood swings, deteriorating personal hygiene, a drug related conviction, or being turned in by a colleague. "Tests for violation of this Policy for alcohol and marijuana shall be on the basis of reasonable cause only," states the policy.
RVD and Sabu have, by any definition, given WWE "reasonable cause" for testing them for marijuana in the future, either immediately if they are not suspended or upon their return to the roster if they are suspended.
As for competing and storylines, RVD lost his WWE belt to Edge on Monday night and his ECW belt to Big Show on Tuesday night.
From WWE.com:
Moments after screwing Rob Van Dam out of the ECW Championship, Paul Heyman gave the following statement to ECW.com:
“As of this moment, Rob Van Dam has been suspended for 30 days.”
I approached Heyman immediately as he came backstage following the match to ask him why he screwed Van Dam. Heyman only smiled and offered the above statement. I followed him to ask him why RVD was suspended and why he was screwed out of the ECW Championship…but he only walked faster. When I finally got to his office door, Heyman slammed the door in my face.
Sabu is also expected to have face suspension for his "lesser role" in the drug possession.

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