MLB had rules against using illegal drugs. Guys had been suspended for using illegal drugs. That's what I was wondering. MLB had rules on it, and MLB took action on it. MLB, however, had no such policy on steroids prior to a few years ago. They didn't test for drugs, but, as much as they were illegal drugs, steroids fit into the category of drugs that could get you in trouble if you were caught with them by the law. Hopefully this will be the last time... Steroids were specifically banned in 1991.