NBA

Stern says Curry should have DNA test

Report: Commish understands contract concerns, but thinks it's necessary

NBCSports.com news services

updated 4:32 p.m. ET Sept. 30, 2005

David Stern says he doesn't see the problem with asking Bulls center Eddy Curry for a DNA test, despite the worries it presents both sides, SI.com reported.

The Bulls want to test the 22-year-old center, who has been sidelined since March with heart arryhythmia, to see if his medical could be fatal. Curry, meanwhile, is trying to negotiate a new contract with the team a says the test would hurt his potential deal because it would enable the team to search for other pre-existing conditions.

That's where Stern comes in. The NBA Commissioner suggested to SI.com that teams do similar testing in rookie camp and it would be a good idea here.

"Let's put it back in rookie camp. If you're thinking about drafting a player, you do blood [tests], you do X-rays, skeletal, you look for scars, for breaks, for weaknesses, for disease. I don't know what you would be looking for with DNAs, but given the size of the contract and the importance of the draft pick, I think that diagnostic testing that tells you whether you're making a good investment is not a bad idea," he told the site.

Stern also said safeguards should be in place to ensure the results of DNA testing are controlled by the player.

"Always," Stern told SI.com. "It should only be dispersed with the consent of the player. I guess the player, for limited purposes, can make it available to the team, but I'm a firm believer in medical privacy."

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If the Bulls and Curry cannot come to an agreement on the testing, the conflct may end up in arbitration with the players union representing Curry, SI.com said.

The Bulls are scheduled to report for training camp next week.