Jeff Hardy could be suspended indefinitely if company officials feel he needs to enter a drug rehabilitation program. According to August 28, 2007 amendment in the WWE Wellness Policy, WWE has the right to suspend wrestlers indefinitely until a talent completes a rehab program if it’s deemed necessary by company officials. Furthermore, his contract would be terminated should he violate the policy for a third time.

The following three paragraphs are taken directly from the amended substance abuse and drug testing policy, which applies to positive drug tests other than marijuana:

First Offense. In the event of an initial positive result for drugs prohibited by this Policy other than marijuana, the Talent shall be fined an amount equal to 30 days’ pay deducted from your downside guarantee on a weekly basis. The Company may, at its discretion, schedule the Talent to work selected televised events without pay, pay-per-views with pay, and non-televised live events with a $200 stipend per event during the 30 day suspension period.

Second Offense. In the event of a second positive result for drugs prohibited by this Policy other than marijuana, the Talent shall be fined an amount equal to 60 days’ pay deducted from your downside guarantee on a weekly basis. The Company may, at its discretion, schedule the Talent to work selected televised events without pay, pay-per-views with pay and non-televised live events with a $200 stipend per event during the 60 day suspension period. Alternatively, in cases where the Talent appears to be in need of a drug rehabilitation program, the Talent shall not be assigned to work until the individual has successfully completed the drug rehabilitation program. However, regardless of the length of the program, the Talent’s fine shall be limited to 60 days’ pay.

Third Offense. In the event of a third positive result for drugs prohibited by this Policy other than marijuana, the Talent’s contract with WWE will be terminated.

Powell’s POV: As previously noted, Hardy has already been removed from the WrestleMania 24 lineup on the WWE website and will not be appearing on the show.

Technically, it appears WWE could have Hardy appear at WrestleMania 24 and not be in violation of their own policy. However, I think they added that stipulation so that they have the freedom to book talent during their suspensions for situations such as the one that took place last night when Hardy dropped the Intercontinental Title.

By the way, marijuana use results in a $1,000 fine that is deducted from the wrestler’s contractual downside guarantee. The penalty for testing positive for pot remains the same regardless of how many times a person violates the test, and wrestlers do not face suspensions or termination for marijuana use.

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