Boston tested positive for GHB

PINELLAS PARK – Buccaneers wide receiver David Boston was under the influence of GHB when found asleep behind the wheel of his SUV last month, police say.

Boston was arrested and charged with misdemeanor DUI on Aug. 23, pending the results of a urinalysis. The test results came back last week and Pinellas Park police said the DUI charge would stand. But police refused to disclose the substance that Boston was alleged to have taken, saying the case was still being investigated. Pinellas Park police on Monday released the results of those tests, confirmed by two separate labs, indicating that Boston had 870 micrograms per milliliter of GHB in his urine. Police spokesman Sandy Forseth said using two labs is department protocol.

"That's a lot of GHB," said Sarah Kerrigan. Kerrigan, a forensic toxicologist, is director of the forensic science program at Sam Houston State University in Huntsvile, Texas. Kerrigan has a PhD. in chemistry in the field of drugs of abuse testing. "That's consistent with someone who's taken the drug."

GHB occurs naturally in the body, she said, and defense lawyers tend to attribute positive test results to the body's normal chemistry. But, Boston's reading is "not natural," Kerrigan said.

Kerrigan cautioned against making conclusions about any impairment from the concentration of the drug. GHB takes eight to 10 hours to leave the system after it's ingested, which leaves a large window during which Boston might have taken the drug. And different concentrations could appear depending on the amount of fluid Boston excreted. A determination of impairment, she said, would have to come from other evidence, such as the results of field sobriety tests.

GHB, or gamma hydroxybutyrate, has been abused in the U.S. since about 1990 for its euphoric, sedative, and anabolic (body building) effects. It is a central nervous system depressant that was widely available over-the-counter in health food stores during the 1980s and until 1992. It was purchased largely by body builders to aid in fat reduction and muscle building. In lower doses, GHB causes drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and visual disturbances. Street names include "liquid ecstasy," "soap," "easy lay," "vita-G," and "Georgia home boy."

Boston has declared his innocence, saying in a statement last week, “I have done nothing wrong. I was not impaired.”

Boston's attorney, Ronald Hanes, could not be reached for comment.

NFL vice president of public relations, Greg Aiello, said, “The matter is under review. It falls under the substance abuse policy.”

According to the NFL’s policy for substance abuse for violations of law:
“A player will normally be subject to discipline up to and including suspension without pay for four regular and/or post-season games for a first violation of the law related to substances of abuse other than alcohol and for six regular and/or post-season games for a second violation of the law related to substances of abuse other than alcohol. A player’s treatment history may be considered by the Commissioner in determining the appropriate degree of discipline. The suspension period may be extended if medically necessary, and, if extended, may involve mandatory treatment if required by the Medical Director.”

Pinellas Park police officers were summoned Aug. 23 by a man who called 911 to report a red Range Rover being driven erratically. The 911 caller was behind the Range Rover going south on 49th Street N.

"He appears to be drunker than hell. He's all over the road," the man reported.

The two arrived at the Park Boulevard traffic light about 38 seconds into the 4-minute, 42-second 911 call.

"I think he's going to sit through this light," the caller said. "We've gone through a cycle and he just sat there....He's not moving. I'm just wondering if maybe there's something wrong with him because he's not moving at all....Maybe he wasn't drunk. Maybe there's something else going on....I think maybe something's happened because he doesn't appear to be moving at all."

When officers arrived, they found Boston slumped over the steering wheel. They roused him, got him out of the Range Rover. They suspected he might be under the influence of drugs or alcohol because his eyes were fluttering, consistent with a conditiion known as nystagmus.

The police had Boston perform field sobriety tests. Then he was taken into custody and given a Breathalyzer test, which came back negative. An officer known as a drug recognition expert tried to test Boston. He said he was innocent and refused the tests, which was his right. Officers then took a urine sample.

Boston pleaded no contest to two misdemeanors in 2002 after he tested positive for cocaine and marijuana found during a traffic stop.

While with the Dolphins, he was suspended for four games in 2004 for violating the league's steroid policy. Boston, who had a season-ending knee injury at the time, denied taking an anabolic steroid but his appeal was denied. He was charged with simple assault in Burlington, Vt., later that month, and eventually pleaded no contest to striking a ticket agent at the airport.

This is Boston's second stint with the Bucs. He was cut before the start of last season.

Boston isn't the only Buc player whose actions are being scrutinized by the league. Tight end Jerramy Stevenswas found guility of DWI last week by an Arizona jury. Where does the matter stand with the NFL?  "It's under review," said Aiello. According to the league's policy on alcohol-related offenses, "The Commissioner will review and may impose a fine, suspension, or other appropriate discipline if a player is convicted of or admits to a violation of the law... relating to the use of alcohol."

-- ANNE LINDBERG, Times Staff Writer

Comments

[Jason]

I have done nothing wrong, I was not impaired. Dude, admit it, your now a jackass on my list because you can't take responsibility. GHB in your blood. Let me guess, it was not your blood right?

[Mark]

Dungy would never take players like this. The Bucs loosening in standards is haunting them. What did Gary Shelton call them after Sunday's farce? Moribund.

[Max Power]

The guy could of killed someone and has done this kind of stuff forever but good ol Chucky will take him and then defend him and Stevens. Chucky runs a class organization at One Buc Place. He will take anyone.

[Mike]

You guys don't actually believe that Boston was hurt yesterday, do you? The league - or Gruden - made the decision to hold him out, knowing the results were coming out today.

[Dale Alexander]

I posted last week that he was taking GHB. Will not show on a breathalyzer and him being passed out at the wheel told it all. Not good at all, the guy gets yet another shot at the NFL and he's taking drugs....and driving while he's on them.

[Ed]

I knew people would start in on Tony would never have a player like this, well, that is partially true, Tony did cut a couple guys 43rd and 44th on the team. His star players weren't cut when they got in trouble, if they can help a coach win they will fine but not cut. Tony had some guys that got in trouble and they still played. Boston should be gone, but everyone needs to get off the Tony thing, most where crying for his firing, know they want him back, what Hippocrits.

[Jason]

CUT HIM!

[jeff]

Anybody can abuse any number of over the counter drugs such as Nyquil, sudafed etc... with the same effects as GHB. How many other drivers are out there supposedly "impaired" like Boston? If I have too much Nyquil and drive can I be charged with DUI?

[Skylar]

That's right Ed. I believe Sapp got caught with weed in his car one time. One of his buddy's took the wrap, but...duh...he wasn't released by Dungy and his staff; they must have overlooked their morals on that one. The difference is that Dungy inherited that problem; he didn't draft or bring it in. You have to give the guy credit for running a clean program, whether you like him or not. Gruden, on the other hand - and to my chagrin, openly embraces problems. They are haunting him now and they may be his demise as the Bucs head coach one day. I believe he wants to win so badly, that he will overlook his morality to do so - not virtuous by any means. Of course we elect presidents and governors and the like with long wrap sheets and no-one has a problem with that, so I guess we shouldn't sweat a lowly football player when checking our moralty should we? Maybe we should make it important in all aspects of life...

[Kurt]

Jeff...NyQuill kills man, don't you know? I mean, a clean guy like Boston who's never had any problems with drugs or the law before...next thing you know, theyre gonna be calling us all enemy combatants and putting us in Guantanam Bay. Scary stuff bro...very scary. Really though, I think that the bottle of NyQuill states right on it's label that you shouldn't operate machinery while taking it.

[DR]

Kurt, you are absolutely wrong again. Boston has been suspended already for steroid use and this will more than likely get him an 8 game suspension or more. GHB is a steroid alternate. Big time body builders use it to put their body at the deepest rest possible and help maximize recovery. I guess Boston will get his power rest after Goodell takes care of him.

[Kurt]

DR: if you couldn't tell the obvious satirical overtone in my message, I think it may be you who is on GHB dumass. Find something to do other than correct people who obviously are speaking over you.

[DR]

Kurt, I like the combination of meth and crack, especially while watching the Bucs game. It makes me feel like i'm playing for Gruden.

Hey Kurt,

DR is right. he was a helluv an athlete. injured. played through pain. yadda yadda yadda. He would now. He's a real athlete. A real man.

P.S. He's a richard simmons fan

[DR]

It's know idiot. Ok so I was a english major, wear glasses, weigh 120 wet, love richard simmons. I still can like football.