He Took a Big Timeout on His Career at UCLA

According to the UCLA media guide, Jelani McCoy’s favorite athlete is . . . Chris Webber. Surprise!

TOM MADARA, Santa Monica

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After reading the articles regarding their drug policies: Does UCLA have a snowboarding team?

PATRICK PASCAL, Los Angeles

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This letter is written to clarify and correct certain statements made in Tim Kawakami’s Feb. 25 article regarding UCLA’s student-athlete drug testing program. First, UCLA’s Drug Education and and Testing program has been in place for more than 10 years. The program was developed by leading professionals in the medical, counseling and substance-abuse fields. The program combines education, counseling and testing to assist any affected student-athlete. While sanctions are a part of the program, the goal is not to penalize athletes, but to educate and assist them. While the specific data are not public, the program has been very successful.

UCLA also remains deeply concerned that one of its student-athletes, Jelani McCoy, continues to be linked to the recent public drug testing discussion. McCoy, as any student at UCLA, enjoys extensive rights to privacy concerning his student status. For that reason, UCLA has never confirmed or denied any reason for McCoy’s earlier suspension from the men’s basketball team, and has not, cannot, and will not comment on his recent decision to leave the team. McCoy is a young man with a bright basketball future. He will remembered by the UCLA athletic department as a productive and talented player who made significant contributions to the men’s program, not for the rumors and speculation surrounding his decision to leave the team. We urge your readers to remember him in the same way.

MARC DELLINS, UCLA Sports Information Director