Drug Abuse in Sports Symposium

An off-handed remark by Charles "Lefty" Driesell, head men's basketball coach at the University of Maryland when Len Bias, the Terrapin star, died of cocaine intoxication, produced a firestorm of national coverage. In his remarks at the seminar, Driesell mentioned that in his Master's thesis he had proposed that cocaine was a performance-enhancing drug. An Associated Press stringer picked up on the comment and 24 hours later, Driesell's quote was carried in every major newspaper in the United States, and in many international publications. At the time, Driesell was a strong candidate for the head coaching position of the new Charlotte entry in the NBA. The comment, and resulting controversy, effectively eliminated Driesell from the position, despite the fact that later in his speech, Driesell made clear that he did not personally think cocaine was a performance-enhancing drug.

Other presenters at this acclaimed symposium included former NFL great, Calvin Hill, who delivered a compelling address on the dangers of drug abuse in athletics.

To read more about the Drug Abuse in Sports Symposium, click on the articles below:

• Litsky, Frank and Robert Thomas, Jr., "Driesell Reflects," The New York Times June 8, 1987
• Corriea, Robert, "Drugs, Sports Still Mix, Speaker Says," Providence Journal June 6, 1987