N.F.L. STRENGTHENS DRUG POLICY

The N.F.L. has toughened its drug policy, adding amphetamines to the list of banned performance-enhancers starting in 2007. Amphetamines were previously listed as a "substance-abuse drug," but are now in the same category as steroids and other enhancers that carry stronger penalties. Next year will serve as a transition year, when a first positive test will bring a warning and put a player into the drug program. But in 2007, testing will cover amphetamines on a regular basis. A first positive will result in a four-game suspension.