The NFL tests separately for performance-enhancing drugs, including steroids, and for other banned substances, like recreational drugs. The threshold for punishment is far different too.

PEDs, including steroids: Every player is tested some time during training camp or preseason game weeks. Then 10 players per team, per week are tested randomly as long as a team's season lasts. The first positive test for a player results in a four-game suspension and loss of salary for those four weeks. A second positive test means a year ban with no pay.

Other recreational drugs: Every player is tested annually between April and August. If a player tests negative, that's his only test of the year. If he tests positive, he enters the substance-abuse program and can be tested up to 10 times a month, randomly, for the next two years. A second positive test results in no suspension but a fine equaling four game checks. A third positive test results in a four-game suspension without pay. A fourth positive test means a year ban without pay -- and the player must apply to be reinstated to the league.

A friend at NBC, a young producer, told me his four freshman-year college roommates all took Adderall before tests and to focus while studying, even though none had prescriptions to do so.