Olathe East suspends 15 players for use of diet pill

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Oct 20, 1999 by AP

The Associated Press

OLATHE --- Fifteen members of the Olathe East High School football team have been suspended for one game for taking a dietary supplement that was blamed for one player's collapse last week.

The over-the-counter supplement, Ripped Fuel, may be bought legally at nutrition stores and is "supposed to stimulate performance," Olathe East principal Karl Krawitz said.

But while its use does not violate the school district's substance abuse policy, "we felt that was beyond what we would contend is an expectation of this school and our program, and we felt we had to take action," Krawitz said Tuesday.

Olathe East coach Jeff Meyers, whose team is 1-6 with two games remaining, suspended the 15 players for Thursday's game against KC- Washington.

During a closed meeting with coaches, teammates and parents, the suspended players were "very apologetic, not only to their teammates but to their coaches and the school," Krawitz said.

The supplement is not recommended for use by people younger than 18. Its label says the recommended dosage is two capsules three times a day, to a maximum of six capsules daily.