Debate at NCAA on Testing for Sickle Cell Trait

Member conferences of the National Collegiate Athletic Association may vote as soon as today on a controversial proposal to require testing of athletes for a sickle cell trait that was found in at least 8 of the 21 football players who collapsed and died because of sports training in the last decade, The New York Times reported. Some athletes and health advocates have urged that such testing be mandatory to inform players of their risks, but others oppose a requirement, saying that it could lead to denying those with the trait the right to play sports. Several leading football conferences are opposing the measure, the Times said.