WWE News Jeff Hardy could face a longer suspension, future violation would result in termination Mar 11, 2008 - 10:44 AM Email This Article | Printer Friendly Page Send Us News & Results | Back to Main Listing 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. HELP SUPPORT DOT NET! BECOME A MEMBER AT OUR CHARTER RATE OF JUST $5 A MONTH - GET THE FIRST LOOK AT EXCLUSIVE INSIDER DOT NET NEWS, TONS OF EXCLUSIVE AUDIO SHOWS, MESSAGE BOARD ACCESS, START YOUR OWN BLOG, AD-FREE MAIN LISTING: SIGN ME UP (or MORE INFO) GOT AN IPHONE OR IPOD TOUCH? THEN BE SURE TO DOWNLOAD OUR NEW FREE iPhone APP: (click here!) (or SEARCH "pro wrestling" in iTunes App Store) FOR MORE BREAKING WWE & TNA NEWS AND COMMENTARY, VISIT OUR AFFILIATE PWTORCH.COM (click here!) FOR MORE MMA & UFC NEWS AND COMMENTARY, VISIT OUR AFFILIATE MMATORCH.COM (click here!) CLICK TO RETURN TO DOT NET MAIN LISTING OR SELECT A LINK BELOW FROM THIS CATEGORY WWE News Latest Twelve Articles WWE official says the company hasn't ruled out dropping some pay-per-view events from the schedule, explains why several pay-per-view names were changed Jim Ross provides a medical update on WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Brisco WWE tag team champion Edge injured during a San Diego house show WWE Hall of Famer Ricky Steamboat returning to the ring this weekend, Chris Jericho comments on their upcoming match Jim Ross discusses the need for to add new wrestlers to the WWE main event mix, identifies two wrestlers who are moving up the ladder on Smackdown, the need for a WWE scouting department 7/3 WWE Smackdown preview: A full list of matches for tonight's show featuring Edge and Chris Jericho vs. C.M. Punk and Jeff Hardy (no spoilers)