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MLB acts to tighten clubhouse security

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

January 8, 2008

Acting on recommendations in the Mitchell Report, Major League Baseball cracked down on clubhouse security yesterday in an effort to prevent the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Among the changes: Teams will no longer be notified the night before drug-testing personnel arrive, and all clubs must have a designated area in home and visiting clubhouses for tests to be collected.

Baseball also implemented background checks and random drug tests for all clubhouse employees. Teams now will be required to log all packages sent to clubhouses at major-league ballparks.

Teams must give baseball's policy on "Disclosing Information Relating to the Use, Possession or Distribution of Prohibited Substances" to all employees, and the policy must be posted in the clubhouse.

In his report last month, former Senate majority leader George Mitchell recommended several measures to toughen the sport's drug program.

"These security and logistical changes are important additional steps in combating the illegal use of performance-enhancing substances," commissioner Bud Selig said. "Major League Baseball is pleased to act on the recommendations made by Senator Mitchell as part of its ongoing clubhouse security procedures."