State of Origin coach Wayne Pearce warned NSW selectors of an alarming rise in the use of recreational drugs a week before the revelation that two of his former players had tested positive to stimulants. Recreational drug use has reached epidemic proportions among footballers because of the rewards and responsibilities of full-time training. They do not have day jobs, meaning they can party all night, knowing their only obligation the following day is an 11am weights session. Players also worship at the body temple, watching every gram they eat and drink, knowing their body fat is frequently checked. A pill or a line of coke does not put on as much weight as a dozen schooners.
Ecstasy is also cheaper.
IE will ignore it. They also leave the body faster than alcohol, certainly the beer detected when Wests coach John Bailey took a breathalyser to training at Campbelltown in the late 1980s, or marijuana, which stays for weeks. Players now binge the night after a match and avoid any alcohol or drugs for the remainder of the week. It's a social phenomenon with our youth. Smith said his players were equally perplexed that he could have two beers most nights of the week.