Last Tuesday, the NCAA approved a measure that requires mandatory testing of all Division I athletes for the genetic mutation that causes sickle cell disease.  An article by Katie Thomas and Brett Zarda that appeared in the online version of The New York Times last Monday outlined the pro/con arguments for such testing, and Thomas reported the NCAA’s adoption of this policy the next day (both NYT articles are recommended reading).  Those articles focused on college football, but the new rule will affect Division I athletes in all sports.  But…there’s a catch.

Some sickle cells among some normal friends.

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