Earlier today the NFL announced it added amphetamines to its list of banned substances - starting in 2007. ...in 2007, amphetamines will be tested for on a regular basis. A first positive test will result in a four-game suspension, the same penalty now levied for positive steroids tests.

What a crock of crap.

If you're serious about banning drugs in sports, it's easy - ban them all, test everyone routinely, and make the penalty for a first offense lifetime suspension. That's how you prove you're serious about eliminating drugs. After the first few suspensions, the rest of the players will catch on and your problem will be solved.

What does this have to do with business? On a different scale, many businesses do the same thing with internal policy, financial reporting, and revenue forecasting.

There's a lot of talk about getting it right, with an expectation that things will get done no matter the means. Don't send mixed messages - saying you want honestly in forecasting then fire people who under perform against your inflated expectations, don't state policy for all and exempt those close to you, and don't monkey with the books to make the profit look bigger or the loss more contained. And don't reward the people that work the system, capitalizing on the loophole.

Just have integrity in your stated objectives and policies. We'll all respond better when you do.

And whatever you do, don't tell us you're serious about a drug policy then ban less than all drugs, offer multiple penalties and opportunities to adhere to the policy, and give an 18 month warning before you begin your latest testing. That's not being serious at all. It's a joke. And we all know it.