North Carolina has strengthened its substance abuse policy for student-athletes, establishing a no-tolerance stance for anabolic agents in the process. The policy -- a three-strikes-and-you're-out rule for most banned drugs but sudden death for steroids -- goes into effect Monday. "Anabolic steroid abuse is a direct threat to fair play at all levels, but it is a particularly dangerous concern for young athletes," Athletics Director Dick Baddour said. "That is one reason we have adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward its use." (Durham Herald-Sun)