Reds’ Milner, Pistons’ Bedford Are Suspended for Drug Use

Outfielder Eddie Milner of the Cincinnati Reds has been suspended without pay for a year because of a second episode of cocaine use, club officials said Wednesday.

Milner, 32, underwent treatment for cocaine use early last season while with San Francisco and returned to play for the Giants at midseason. He became a free agent in the off-season and was picked up by Cincinnati, the team he had spent his entire career with before being traded to the Giants a year ago.

Cincinnati officials said that Milner disclosed his continued use of cocaine in a meeting with General Manager Murray Cook and team physician Dr. Warren Harding. The Reds informed Commissioner Peter Ueberroth, who imposed the one-year suspension without pay.

Also Wednesday, Detroit Pistons center William Bedford, who was named last year in a controversy regarding alleged drug use by members of the Phoenix Suns, turned himself in for treatment for chemical dependency.

Bedford, 24, is scheduled to begin treatment today in the Adult Substance Abuse Program at Van Nuys, Piston spokesman Matt Dobek said. The treatment program is specified in rules set out by the National Basketball Assn. and the players’ association for treating players who use narcotics. Bedford will be suspended with pay while he is being treated, Dobek said.

Bedford appeared in 38 games this season, averaging 2.6 points and 1.7 rebounds.