If true, such findings could put under scrutiny every drug-related suspension made by the league.

It was the third drug-related suspension for the driver, who has 534 victories this year, including 334 at Yonkers.

For Irvin, it was a drug-related suspension earlier this year that forced him to miss the Cowboys' first five games.

The troubles included cocaine and alcohol abuse, a Federal tax conviction that led to home confinement and a 60-day drug-related suspension from baseball last year.

Steve Howe joined the Yankees in 1991 after a career filled with drug-related suspensions.

Eddie Milner, the Reds' center fielder, returned from a drug-related suspension and failed to get on base.

With 16 days still to serve on a 60-day drug-related suspension imposed on June 28, Gooden now is facing further sanctions by major league baseball.

Wilson is the first N.F.L. player to make a successful playing comeback from one drug-related suspension and then be suspended again.

Of previous drug-related suspensions, all in the last dozen years, the most severe penalty was for one year.

Now 34, and often inactive in recent years because of drug-related suspensions, it is questionable whether he will be included on Argentina's World Cup team.