Athletes Received Steroids in Online Ring
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by user ActiveSports
Athletes were involved as customers in an illicit steroid distribution network that led authorities to raid two Orlando pharmacies and arrest four company officials, a New York prosecutor said.
Customers include Los Angeles Angels outfielder Gary Matthews Jr., according to the Times Union of Albany, which first disclosed the investigation, citing unidentified sources. Matthews would not answer specific questions about the story Wednesday. Matthews said he didn't know why is name was reportedly on the client list, adding, "That's what we're working on, trying to find out. I will address it at appropriate time."
The Times Union said investigators found evidence that testosterone and other performance-enhancing drugs may have been fraudulently prescribed over the Internet to current and former Major League Baseball and NFL players, college athletes, high school coaches, a former Mr. Olympia champion and another top contender in the bodybuilding competition.
Steroids and sports are seemingly becoming inseparable. Personally, I've grown tired of the steroid scandals and I'm ready for reliable testing and serious penalties to be assessed. Steroids take away from the game, are incredibly unhealthy, and allow those who take them an unfair advantage. The bottom line is simple. Play the game the way it is meant to be played. Play with honor and pride and dignity.
However, I'm concerned that the incessant coverage and potentially becoming desensitized will result in more steroid use in youth sports. Especially when you can turn on the television and look at ESPN and see Barry Bonds and other high profile athletes breaking records all over the place. It is no surprise that surveys indicate that the rate of non-medical steroid use is increasing. The rate of steroid use among twelfth grade girls doubled between 1991 and 1996. Additionally, "Andro" a brand of the "dietary supplement" androstenedione, sold five times as much in 2000 as in 1999.
Is education and truth about steroids enough to steer youth athletes away from them? Should other states follow New Jersey's lead and test high school athletes who will participate in state tournament?
