Possible Steroid Testing in Texas, By: Scott Sager

February 1, 2007

Through TV show's like NBC's "Friday Night Lights" and movies like "Varsity Blues" high school in Texas has become a breeding ground for  football, where the Friday night lights burn a little brighter.

But recently, officials at the state capital have talked about mandating steroid testing for all high school athletes in Texas.  

The state of Texas produces more division-one collegiate football players than any other state.   It's players are known for being bigger, stronger and faster athletes.   Now, a key state leader wants to ensure it's kids are the cleanest athletes as well.

Superstar athletes, like newly aquired Texas Ranger Sammy Sosa and the always controversial Barry Bonds have played a major role in exposing steroids to the public.

Now, Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst is proposing a new, groundbreaking program. It would require mandatory random testing for steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs in public schools.

Wednesday, KTEN News spoke with Denison High School football coach Cody White, and we asked him for his thoughts on the proposed mandatory testing..

"I think anything that gives kids an oppertunity to say "no" is a good thing.   Thats to me what a testing policy is an oppertunity to say" I'm gonna say no to doing this type of stuff"'

The new rule would go beyond football. If approved, athletes in all sports would likely be tested. It would be the nation's largest program of its kind at the high school level, with tens of thousands of students tested every year.

Charles Breithaupt,the athletic director for the University Interscholastic League, which governs Texas public school sports says many schools would argue alcohol and other drugs pose a bigger problem for them than steroids does.