In the wake of recent rumors of possible rule changes, NBA commissioner David Stern has been noticeably reticent about correcting one of the biggest problem facing the league-drugs.

Sure, enforcement of a three-second violation and the use of zone defenses are exciting prospects for revitalizing the plodding offenses in the Eastern Conference, but what about polishing the already tarnished image of the NBA?

While it is admittedly difficult to combat the irritating sense of entitlement and selfish play of the young talent entering the league each year, Stern's efforts to clamp down on the drug problem have been less than adequate despite the recent surge in drug violations.

Charles Oakley's comments recently about the drug policy and rampant violations around the league certainly raised a few eyebrows from fans and commentators. Ultimately, though, the news was rather un-newsworthy. But the veteran power forward has seen a lot in his career, and as one of the last of a dying breed of pure hustle, minimally talented players in the NBA, there may be some sage-like wisdom in his rather nonchalant assessment of recreational drug use among professional athletes.