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Players to be tested for HGH next NBA season

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National Basketball Association is stepping up its drug testing program by having the players undergo blood testing for Human Growth Hormone beginning next season, the league announced (AFP Photo/Doug Pensinger)

New York (AFP) - National Basketball Association is stepping up its drug testing program by having the players undergo blood testing for Human Growth Hormone (HGH) beginning next season, the league announced on Thursday.

The NBA said the players' union has signed off on the random drug testing, which sees a player suspended 20 games for a first HGH violation.

All players will be subject to three random, unannounced HGH tests annually - two during the season and another in the offseason.