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Fri Nov 13, 2009 2:14 pm EST

Doug Barron isn't taking this drug suspension thing quietly

By Jay Busbee

You knew this was coming: Doug Barron, the first player suspended under the PGA Tour's new drug testing policy, has filed suit seeking to have his suspension overturned.

In his complaint, Barron indicated that the drugs for which the PGA Tour suspended him were the beta blocker Propranolol and exogenous testosterone. Barron charged that both drugs were properly prescribed to him by a physician, even though they are on the list of the PGA Tour's banned substances.

The complaint further notes that Barron specificaly asked the Tour for a "therapeutic use exemption" for both medications but was denied. The complaint charged that the PGA Tour instructed Barron to "wean himself" off the Propranolol and immediately stop the exogenous testosterone. 

As Golfweek notes, Barron used the beta blockers in connection with mitral valve prolapse, a condition in which the valves of the heart do not close properly. The testosterone was prescribed to help counterbalance his apparently naturally low testosterone levels.

There's another component to the complaint, as well; Barron charges that the PGA Tour defamed him by allowing the image to persist that Barron had used the drugs as performance enhancers, when it clearly knew the medications had no such effect.

The case was filed in Shelby County (Tenn.) Chancery Court.

So ... this puts a little different spin on things, doesn't it? If you believe his side of the story, Barron's not quite the 'roided-out monstrosity that a suspension would seem to imply. Waggle Room does a nice job of breaking down the intricacies of the Tour's policy, and also notes that Barron's quote in the immediate aftermath of the suspension takes on new meaning.

Hang tight, everybody. This one's going to get uglier before it gets resolved.

Barron sues PGA Tour over drug test [Golfweek]

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27 Comments

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  1. Tom Landry
    1. Posted by Tom Landry Fri Nov 13, 2009 2:46 pm EST

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    Notice my reference to Beta Blockers in the last BLOG you wrote about this..
  2. J
    2. Posted by J Fri Nov 13, 2009 4:31 pm EST

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    Yet another example of Finchems' incompetence.
    Clearly, Barron has been defamed, and his career won't recover from this; Hope the PGA enjoys writing him that 10-figure check.
    Nice job, Timmy!
  3. Jay Busbee
    3. Posted by Jay Busbee Fri Nov 13, 2009 5:40 pm EST

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    We're very proud of you for picking up on that, Tom, but it wasn't to calm his nerves, as you suggested -- it was a heart medication he's been on for two decades. So you get half credit.
  4. greg h
    4. Posted by greg h Fri Nov 13, 2009 6:04 pm EST

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    Leave the guy alone! It's for a flipping heart valve for crying out loud......I mean sheeesh, he has a body like mine! believe me that's not why he's taking them!
  5. Mark B
    5. Posted by Mark B Fri Nov 13, 2009 6:08 pm EST

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    OMG is Finchum a moron??? I am the only person that noticed that TW blowed up over night.. Who are the 10? I bet you they are big names and big $.. I pray Finchum writes a check for millions to him, what a travesity..
    This is starting to be ridiculos. Go Finchum you TW suckin idiot...
  6. ChuckL
    6. Posted by ChuckL Fri Nov 13, 2009 6:54 pm EST

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    I knew it, had the same conversation with Busbee about this when he first posted on it, I also figured beta blockers were going to be the drug-and the most likely abused drug on tour. This is a tricky one because they have legitimate medical uses, but the performance enhancing effects for golf are well known. They need to spend a lot of time trying to figure this one out-no easy answer.
    The only people who assumed that users on the tour would be "roided-out monstrosity"'s are ones that are simply uneducated about beta blockers. Honestly its embarassing that this would come as a suprise to the media-this should have been the foucs all along.
    This is not a "different spin" on things, this is precisely what I figured it was going to turn into. Full disclaimer-I have been prescribed propanol before, but never popped a pill playing golf-no need to I would still suck.
  7. BigBoi777
    7. Posted by BigBoi777 Fri Nov 13, 2009 6:55 pm EST

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    one hes got health problems which is why he took those and number two what is he harming, is he a big name on the money list or a major champion. NO!! so let him play.
  8. ChuckL
    8. Posted by ChuckL Fri Nov 13, 2009 7:25 pm EST

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    of course he would claim he has health problems that require him to take them, I would say the same thing if I got pinched. And he very well may need them. The question is 1) is there another drug he could take for his heart problem that doesnt have performance enhancing qualities, and 2) why was he not given a therapuetic use exempton. he obviously kept on taking them even though he knew they were barred in his specific case.
    The bigger question is, how long does a beta blocker like propanol stay in your system, what is the threshold that they are testing for, and when do they test at these tournaments. If they only test before the tournament (which I think I have read before), and not immdeiately after the tourney, and propanol leaves your system quickly, then there may be a lot of players popping these things on sunday, or even sooner. We just dont know because the PGA hasnt really given specifics on how they are handling beta blockers. Lots of unanswered questions and hopefully this case will open the discussion that needs to take place about beta blockers. This may be the best thing that happened to the Tour's drug testing program.
  9. phil i
    9. Posted by phil i Fri Nov 13, 2009 10:09 pm EST

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    A billion years ago..okay, it was only 20-some years ago - it just seems like a billion years - I mentioned to my gp that I sometimes got shaky when I spoke to audiences (I was a manager at a large corp and had to address personnel about various subjects) and it was very distracting. He suggested beta blockers and proscribed some for me. 70 ml. take only "as needed" Throughout my life I would 'occasionally' take one when I knew I was going to speak, play pool in a tournament, sing, etc.etc.etc... Recently, I had a late-life procedure and had a reaction to the beta-blocker (propranolol) and as a result the dossage was reduced to 10 ml. I still take as 'needed' (usually once a week) and it does control the tremors. Imagine my chagrin that I was taking medication that was banned by professional sports! Oh, well... so much for my baseball career! I find it hard to think of this ia performance enhancers.. Maybe.. Oh.. other meds that I take... uh, none, nada, nien..
  10. Fred E
    10. Posted by Fred E Fri Nov 13, 2009 11:29 pm EST

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    Will Tiger retract his comments he made after giving his opinion on Barrons ban??...at least Phil had the brains to see through it!!!!
  11. Go Chargers
    11. Posted by Go Chargers Sat Nov 14, 2009 12:56 am EST

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    As you said, "giving his opinion "
  12. tnc200
    12. Posted by tnc200 Sat Nov 14, 2009 2:49 am EST

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    Hope he does sue them broke. I had to take Propranolol under doctors orders. He was worried about heart attack and high blood pressure. I can't imagine my response if my boss told me to wean myself off of it. Oh wait I can its a 9 iron to the head. Wean that PGA.
  13. Cliff F
    13. Posted by Cliff F Sat Nov 14, 2009 5:15 am EST

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    I have no doubt that Doug Barron has only the best intent for his use of these particular drugs, and if not, only he would know for sure. And I strongly endorse making sure that all golf and other sports facilities are made as available as humanly possible to anyone with physical restrictions or disabilities. However, lets remember that pro golf, is playing a sport at a professional level, and all sport has a physical element as well as mental. If he, or anyone for that matter, can't perform the physical side of the sport up to professional standards without the medication that enhances his performance, then he should not play the sport professionally. He should definitely play golf, enjoy it and love it, but just don't play professionally unless you can handle the physical rigors of the game at the professional level.
  14. monkeyme
    14. Posted by monkeyme Sat Nov 14, 2009 6:44 am EST

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    Propanolol for mitral valve prolapse, that's OK for severe cases. Testosterone for abnormally low level of endogenous testosterone is somewhat problematic for professional athletes.
    Doctor can choose a few more drugs beside betablocker especially when their patients have their work's rule against betablocker. What was his level of testosterone before the injection begun. Everybody know that injecting this agent is against all the professional sports rule. I suspect that there were some selection bias toward the drugs that could enhance his performance in the golf course and it's against the rules.
    wnaris
  15. Kelly G
    15. Posted by Kelly G Sat Nov 14, 2009 7:49 am EST

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    I really don't believe one can be excused on the grounds he's not a top notch player, I mean where would they ever draw the line. Also, there are thousands of people who can't play a sport at a high level because of health issues. It's too bad but that's life. I'm wondering if there is a substitute drug he could take for his health problems that aren't banned. This is going to be a tough call for PGA, do they stand their ground or start making exceptions and open up a bigger can of worms? If they allowed Propranolol what next would athletes take until the whole thing is out of control. I hope they get it straightened out and Barron can continue to play. It's a tough one.
  16. Ml
    16. Posted by Ml Sat Nov 14, 2009 8:33 am EST

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    I've knowm, Doug Barron for 10 yrs.and this is all Bulls%*t. He doesn't take injections of Testosterone...it's a cream he rubs on his arm, as, with Shaun Micheel, who has the same problem and jumped through hoops for the PGA. As far as his heart problem, I take a far more effective beta-blocker, which is banned, Propanolol, is a "lightweight" beta-blocker, and Doug, Needs it for his heart. Period...end of story!
    Doug Barrron's, real story is, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, LeBohneur Childrens Hospital, First Tee, and Make a Wish. He's no criminal...he's a HERO TO THE KIDS OF MEMPHIS! I know first hand, being a St Jude Parent.
    Spencer's Dad
  17. Birdie74
    17. Posted by Birdie74 Sat Nov 14, 2009 10:21 am EST

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    A person who has heart problems and still participates in sports, or goes to work every day, or whatever should command respect from people so blessed so as not to suffer from health issues. I can tell you first hand about heart problems. You do what your doctor orders or suffer the consequence. A good example is Aaron Boone. I at one time just could not stand him. When he exhibited such faith and bravery in the face of his illness, he commended new respect from me.
    I should think that Mr. Barron will have proof positive: i.e., MRI, ultrasounds, CT scans, page after page of medical history. He will be able to produce this proof at the drop of a hat to show his actions are legitimate. I am just a nobody and I can produce such.
    I suppose that Mr. Finchem will never be able to relate until he is stricken with a similar catastrophic illness. Then and only then, ill he be able to conjure up empathy for those less blessed with perfect health.
    I wish you much success and a long, full, blessed life Mr. Barron.
  18. Birdie74
    18. Posted by Birdie74 Sat Nov 14, 2009 10:28 am EST

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    to MI (Spencer's Dad)
    Thank you so much for your insightful post. I should be so blessed to have such a friend as you. I, too, support St. Jude's, a Godsend to our world. May God bless you and yours every day in every way.
  19. BunchOfCryBabies
    19. Posted by BunchOfCryBabies Sat Nov 14, 2009 11:01 am EST

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    Doug Barron, you have had a nice career (# Career Earnings:$3,398,043). A career most of us, including 99% of this blog, would have died for. If you can have some solace in making the PGA re-image your reputation then by all means get that back for your foundations and your perceived reputation. However, this is the modern PGA with their modern rules. It is not 1992 anymore or what ever year you became Pro. The conditions and scrutinies are now more stringent than when you were allowed to play with your pre-existing conditions. In the end, the PGA's reputation takes precedence over your personal reputation because they have far more millionaire careers to maintain than just yours. Leave with your head high and start making something with your Marketing degree. Just remember to not bite too hard on the hands that formerly fed you if you want to continue to make a living in the sport of Golf. IMHO.
  20. Superman
    20. Posted by Superman Sat Nov 14, 2009 4:44 pm EST

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    Sue sue sue seu sue sue sue the american way, you go take them all the way, ahhhhhh and who is paying for all this stupidity, I guess golf need more attention, and Playing golf is not enough, Put a little spice in it, LETS SUE THE PGA TOUR, all the way to the Supreme Court. Why not!! It's the American Way!!!
    The Master Blogger
  21. Cliff F
    21. Posted by Cliff F Sun Nov 15, 2009 3:32 am EST

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    I agree with all the sympathy for Doug and his condition, I wish him well and the very best of health. And if it were me, and the doctor told me to take whatever medicine necessary to keep my heart ticking, I would do that too. But if as a by product it gives him or anyone an unfair advantage, which is why it is banned on tour, then you need to recognize that you do not any longer have the physical capability to be a professional athlete under the rules of the sport. I would certain hope that Doug would continue to play, and if competitively and on an even footing hope he would be successful. If not, great club jobs abound, and leave the playing of professional sports to those who can endure the physical aspects.
  22. tomsummers2002
    22. Posted by tomsummers2002 Sun Nov 15, 2009 2:46 pm EST

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    Nick Price said it best ""Sure, they help your nerves when you putt, but when you can get fired up, you can hit the driver further and hit your irons further. You need that adrenaline to play your best golf," he says. "When I look back on what those drugs did to me, it was one of the worst periods of my whole life. If I could do it over again, I never would have taken them."
  23. tomsummers2002
    23. Posted by tomsummers2002 Sun Nov 15, 2009 2:46 pm EST

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    Nick Price said it best ""Sure, they help your nerves when you putt, but when you can get fired up, you can hit the driver further and hit your irons further. You need that adrenaline to play your best golf," he says. "When I look back on what those drugs did to me, it was one of the worst periods of my whole life. If I could do it over again, I never would have taken them."
  24. tomsummers2002
    24. Posted by tomsummers2002 Sun Nov 15, 2009 3:00 pm EST

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    Edit typo "but when you Can-Not get fired up" You can not hit the driver further and hit your irons further. You NEED that ADRENILANE TO PLAY YOUR BEST GOLF"
  25. Justin B
    25. Posted by Justin B Sun Nov 15, 2009 8:19 pm EST

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    It doesn't matter if you're a pro athlete, if there's medication that you need to survive, take it. The drugs in question weren't giving him an obvious advantage (if they were, we would've known who he was before all this), they were making his life more comfortable. Let's say Mr. Barron was a factory worker- would you tell him to look for different work if he was an accountant or factory worker? No- regardless of the job, it's the life that matters.
    Why is it that low-level nobodies (for lack of a better word) make up 95% of all the performance-enhancing drug finds in pro sports? Do Derek Jeter, Tom Brady, and their ilk even get tested? Is it just me, or am I on to something?

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