EUGENE -- Random drug testing is now in play for University of Oregon student-athletes.

A ruling gave the UO temporary authority, effective Sept. 1, to implement changes to the department's drug testing policy, including random tests of all student-athletes. The UO is expected to make a decision on final approval after a public hearing Oct. 3, an athletic department spokesperson said late Wednesday.

In July, just three months after an

detailed a culture of pervasive marijuana use among the Ducks football team, the UO athletic department proposed changes to strengthen its drug policy. The ESPN report, citing "19 current or former Oregon players and officials," estimated that 40 to 60 percent of UO football players used marijuana.

In the past, UO only tested student-athletes when there was "reasonable suspicion."

Now, all student-athletes are subject to "unannounced random drug testing throughout the entire year, including summer sessions," according to the proposed changes. A random number system is being used to select student-athletes, who will receive "little or no notice" about a test.

UO coach Chip Kelly, when asked about the ESPN report in April, said he would prefer to have random testing.

"I think it's a problem on every college campus right now," Kelly said then. "I think the biggest thing, our responsibility as coaches is to educate our guys on what the dangers are, and that's what we continue to do."

The athletic department will continue to test for illicit substances and performance-enhancing drugs. Tests will be done "through independent laboratory analysis of urine or oral fluid samples," according to the proposal.

The department's penalty system for a failed drug test remains the same.

The failed test for illicit drugs results in mandatory counseling, substance abuse education and psychological evaluation. A second failed test results in the player signing a behavioral modification contract. A third failed test results in suspension for 50 percent of the season. A fourth failed test results in dismissal from the team and forfeiture of scholarship.

A "safe harbor for self-reporting" is also available for student-athletes, whereby they can refer themselves for evaluation and counseling.

An Oregon State spokesman said Wednesday night that OSU is also in the process of implementing a random drug testing policy.

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