From potent drinks to betting, athletes face many restrictions

By Chris Furnari

Planning on putting a bet down on the Stanley Cup Finals or consuming a wide array of smoothies from Jump Start? Well, forget about it if you are a collegiate athlete.

There are many restrictions placed on student-athletes that extend further and are more strict than those placed on the general student population. Higher expectations are required of the student-athlete, as they represent the school in public more frequently than anyone else on campus.

Banned substances, grades and gambling are just a few of the items that athletes must be concerned with on a daily basis because, if the rules regarding these aren't followed, varsity athletes can be kicked off a team by the NCAA.

Take, for example, the popular post-workout drink of many athletes and non-athletes alike: a Jump Start smoothie. The smoothie, while beneficial in replenishing nutrients lost during a workout, poses problems for those who must adhere to drug testing by the NCAA.

An athlete looking to enhance their frozen treat with a popular boost must be cautious because drinking some boosts may impact eligibility.

In late February, Bon Appetit executives learned that three of the boosts offered at Jump Start contained ingredients that appeared on the banned substance list for collegiate athletes. The substance bitter orange can be found under the stimulant category of the NCAA banned substance list, along with 32 other stimulants. In addition, the energy, immunity and slim boosts from Jump Start are also considered banned stimulants.

While a signed contract currently reminds athletes not to drink the boosts, Bon Appetit said they want to allow athletes the same options as the rest of their customers.

"We are working with our vendor to hopefully offer an alternative to the boosts containing the banned NCAA substance," said Bon Appetit General Manager Lori Flashner.

Until then, however, the signs in Jump Start will remain posted, offering a quick reminder for athletes as they enjoy one of the smoothies without a banned boost.

The NCAA banned substance list is extensive and contains many substances that influence students' daily lives -- beyond a simple, refreshing drink.

Many over-the-counter drugs and cold remedies contain traces of substances which can be found on the list. Caffeine is also on the list and is a popular choice among students looking to cram for mid-terms or finish a last-minute paper. Even though soda and other daily items contain caffeine, they are miniscule amounts compared to the level of caffeine that the NCAA prohibits.

"There are many substances on that list that are a major part of student life," said Jay Farwell, the Athletic Department's compliance coordinator. "The amount of cups of coffee you actually need to get to the level banned by the NCCA is fairly significant, but if you throw a few energy drinks down, you might trigger a positive test."

The NCAA advertises, "ignorance is no excuse for a positive drug test," which is found on the association's web site. This sort of slogan is very fitting for many of the athletes here on campus, as the problem with banned substances is more common with respect to mistakes.

An Athlete taking any completely legal performance enhancer, such as Creatine, could run the risk of testing positive if that particular performance enhancer also contains a small trace of a banned substance.

In addition to banned substances, athletes must also be concerned with wagering on both professional and intercollegiate sporting events.

The Santa Clara student-athlete handbook says, "no athlete shall knowingly participate in any gambling activity that involves intercollegiate athletics or professional athletics through a bookmaker, a parlay card or any other method employed by organized gambling."

At the entrance of the training room in the Leavey Center, you can find a promotional poster, provided by the NCAA, picturing an "athlete" during a press conference and newspaper headlines, stating, "university athlete busted for betting." The sign's slogan says, "you bet, you lose! Don't bet on it!"

Athletes may, however, play slot machines or a card game, as long as they are of age. The NCAA rules associated with gambling only relate to sports with an intercollegiate championship and a corresponding professional championship.

"Personally I think it's a good rule because there have been a lot of scandals in the past where kids will throw games," Farwell said. "There is also the element of gambling and the addictive qualities," he added.

Should an athlete get caught putting 20 dollars into a March Madness pool or placing a bet on the NBA playoffs with a friend, the consequences are harsh.

A one or two year ban from collegiate athletics faces any athlete who violates the NCAA bylaws. The NCAA will investigate any athlete and take action against the school and player, if deemed necessary.

The perfect example is Reggie Bush, last year's Heisman Trophy winner. Should Bush be convicted of the allegations against him, USC's Pac-10 title and national championship, as well as Bush's Heisman trophy, would all be taken away.

"From the integrity of the sporting world, it is important to have your student-athletes not involved with betting on the sports they are playing or sports offered by the NCAA," said Farwell.

While collegiate athletes have to deal with restrictions that other students wouldn't normally fathom, most agree that it doesn't deter from being involved in athletics.

"When you're an athlete, you're provided many opportunities and advantages, but, at the same time, those advantages are balanced out with the hard work you put into your sport every day," said Brian Brogan of the men's tennis team. "Four years of being an athlete would never compensate for having a perfect March Madness bracket," he said. "There's plenty of time after college for that."

Contact Chris Furnari at (408) 551-1918 or cfurnari@scu.edu.