The investigators handling the alleged systematic doping of Lance Armstrong are now getting more evidences that strengthen their case against the 7-time Tour de France Champion. The investigations headed by Jeff Novitsky have already issued subpoenas to different entities including former cyclists and team sponsors. Some of the names called to provide information or testimonies are 3-time Tour de France Champion Greg Lemond, former team mate Tyler Hamilton, and company sponsors Nike and Trek.

Of course, the statements of Floyd Landis about the use of EPO and blood transfusions by Lance Armstrong in several Tour de France competitions prompted the FDA to conduct an investigation. This investigation is not only focused on the alleged doping but will also look into the possible involvement of Armstrong to illegal contracts and purchase of illegal substances like anabolic steroids.

The new witness, Betsy Andreu, told the Times that she already provided government investigators significant evidences related to the use of performance enhancing substances of Armstrong. Betsy is the wife of professional cyclist Frankie Andreu. The couple already testified in the previous case that involved Armstrong. The civil case was already settled in 2006.

According to Betsy, there were evidences that will show that Armstrong really admitted to using drugs. She said that voice mail recordings from a message machine would show that Stephanie McIlvain, a representative of Oakley Inc. and a longtime sponsor of Armstrong, was lying when she testified that she did not heard Armstrong admit to the use of drugs like EPO. This is in connection with the alleged admission of Armstrong of his doping in a hospital where several people were present including doctors, McIlvain and the Andreu couple.

Betsy Andreu did not give specific details on the contents of the recordings but she said that McIlvain apologized to them for lying about the hospital-room testimony. She also said that other important documents were turned over to the investigators. McIlvains lawyer was surprised on the voice mails about McIlvain and told the media that his client will cooperate fully if investigated.

Mark Fabiani, a veteran lawyer and communications strategist called the entire Indiana hospital story as preposterous. “Lance’s doctors said it didn’t happen. The records show it didn’t happen. The other six to seven people in that hospital room either say it didn’t happen or have no recollection of any such conversation. The Andreus are the only persons who say it happened,” said Fabiani.

The veteran laywer also told the media that Armstrong underwent medications for steroids and EPO for his cancer treatment but clarified that it does not mean that his client used the drugs during competitions. “Lance was required to undergo an active steroid and EPO regimen as part of his post-operative treatment. He added that it is logical that EPO or steroids may have been discussed during his visit to the hospital. “Having nothing to do with any suggestion of use before he was a cancer patient,” he said.

Fabiani recently joined the legal team of Armstrong which is composed of former federal prosecutor Bryan Daly and Tim Herman, a long time personal lawyer of Armstrong. The inclusion of Fabiani will make it hard for the government investigators to pin down Armstrong on the several charges that may be filed against him. Fabiani handled high profile cases with clients like former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Vice President Al Gore, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, and the investment bank Goldman Sachs. Last month, Fabiani told the ESPN how they would handle the allegations against Lance Armstrong. “We’re prepared to deal forthrightly with the improper and misleading leaks that so far have unfortunately characterized this unfair, Floyd Landis-inspired inquiry,” he said.

The federal prosecutors spent almost 2 years in building the case against Roger Clemens. Their successful effort in indicting Clemens on several charges is already a major achievement for them. However, they should not take this case easy because Clemens have his own team of defense lawyers ready to question every evidence that they will be presenting in court.

Steroid issues are common in baseball but the case of Clemens is still an interesting topic to cover. During his appearance in court, hundreds of media people storm the courthouse to hear what The Rocket would say about the charges filed against him. He will be defending himself from 1 count of obstruction of justice, 3 counts of making false statements and 2 counts of perjury.

The government prosecutors were led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dan Butler and Steven Durham. FBI agent John Longmire also played a major role in Clemens case because he helped gather evidences and interviewed several witnesses. On the other hand, Clemens’ defense lawyers is headed by Rusty Hardin. Both camps are expected to exchange heated arguments once the trial begins. According to online reports, Judge Walton set a tentative trial date on April 5. They still need to meet on December 8 for a status hearing and on March 28 for motion hearing.

Clemens arrived 4 hours earlier before the start of the hearing. The hearing, which lasted for more or less 15 minutes, only involved the presentation of evidences and documents related in the case. As expected, Clemens pleaded not guilty on the charges. “Not guilty, your honor,” Clemens told US Judge Reggie B. Walton.

The prosecutors provided the court with 34-page master index of evidence and 12 computer discs. It includes the testimonies of witnesses summoned by the grand jury and the interviews conducted by the FBI. With the evidences presented in court, Rusty Hardin told the judge that there is a good deal of scientific evidence that needs to be tested. “We will be at the mercy of the experts - both sides,” said Hardin. Included in the evidences were the syringes and other paraphernalia which Brian McNamee allegedly used to inject Clemens with anabolic steroids and human growth hormone.

Roger Clemens was released on his own recognizance but prosecutors requested that his passport must be surrendered to the court. Judge Walton denied the request. Walton said that Clemens is a well known person and if he tries to leave the country, he will be easily identified.

When Roger Clemens named as one of elite baseball players involved in the use of anabolic steroids and human growth hormone, he immediately counteracts the allegations. In the CNN report, Clemens was quoted when he appeared in the inquiry. Steroid use “is totally incompatible with who I am and what I stand for. I cannot in good conscience admit to doing something that I did not do, even if it would be easier to do so,” Clemens told the lawmakers.

Clemens played for the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros and New York Yankees during his 24 years of playing professional baseball. As an 11-time All-Star and a 7-time CY Young Awardee, Clemens statistics is eligible to the Hall of Fame. He had 354 victories, 4,672 strikeouts, and a 3.12 earned-run average. However, his steroid case may affect his chances in the 2013 Hall of Fame voting.

After the hearing, Clemens immediately proceeded to a gold course in Calabash, NC. He is competing in the Golf.com World Amateur Handicap Championship.

Anabolic steroids are effective in developing muscles in adults but it is sometimes abused by professional athletes. The continued illegal use of steroids in many sports organizations makes this drug a hot item for drug regulators and monitoring agencies. In fact, most sports authorities ban the use of anabolic steroids because it can be used to improve performance and gain competitive advantage over other competitors. Some side effects are also noted on this drug so its use must be carefully monitored by a health care professional.

Steroids are significant in treating many medical conditions. Its main functions are helping the body develop muscles and increase strength. However, some pharmaceutical companies are still looking for other alternatives to this drug. They are hoping that a new version or breakthrough could eliminate the side effects of using steroids. Various clinical studies have been conducted to determine if steroids use in different medical conditions and age range can provide positive results.

In a study funded by the government, testosterone use in the elderly showed that it can help them increase their strength but there was a setback. Researchers found out that those people included in the study suffer an increase risk for cardiac problems. Many people are also turning to human growth hormones but it is still controversial because of the many questions regarding its effectiveness and safety.

The NY Times identified those companies who were engaged in developing new products that will replace anabolic steroids or at least develop new products with fewer side effects as compared to anabolic steroids. GTx and Ligand Pharmaceuticals were trying to develop drugs that possess the muscle-building ability of testosterone without its side effects, like the development of facial hair and other masculine features in women. These drugs are called selective androgen receptor modulators, or Sarms according to the report of NY Times.

Pharma giant Pfizer is doing a research focused on drugs that will block myostatin. This is a protein made by the body that acts as a brake on muscle formation. Amgen and Acceleron Pharma were also conducting similar studies. There were cases where lack of myostatin in the body results to an increase in strength and muscle mass. For example, Belgian Blue cattles do not make myostatin but they have huge, rippling muscles and healthy. A German boy also showed an abnormal level of strength and muscle because of a health condition that resulted to the lack of myostatin in his system.

Another study is also focused on treating Lou Gehrig’s disease. Cytokinetics is conducting trials that aim to improve the ability of the muscles to contract by making them sensitive to nerve signals. These Pharmaceutical companies have tested some of the drugs in early stage of clinical trials and still needs more validations.

And the bad news is, some of these Pharma companies have stopped or unsuccessful in finding a good alternative to anabolic steroids. According to NY times, Wyeth already dropped its clinical trials on myostatin inhibitor that did not work well in a muscular dystrophy. Merck decided not to participate in developing GTX drugs. Amgen was also reported putting off its trial on myostatin blocker intended for age related muscle decline.

If these current researches will not give any positive result, the Pharmaceutical industry will not stop finding the best alternative to steroids. They are committed in providing drugs that will help treat medical conditions with fewer side effects.

Whatever public relations initiative that Linda McMahon uses, steroid issues will always be a tough problem to handle. McMahon’s bid to the Senate will not be an easy path especially that her critics will not stop attacking her credibility and capacity to handle public office. The death of another wrestler under their company, the WWE, caused more issues for her to resolve.

The recent death of Lance McNaught or more popular as Lance Cade, was again blamed on the McMahons. Earlier this month, Lance Mcnaught died of heart attack at the age of 29. The cause of death was due to abuse of drugs particularly painkillers. Critics say that the Wellness Program of the WWE is a failure since it does not control the increasing number of young wrestlers dying because of steroid abuse or overdose of medications.

Months before McNaught died, he was interviewed by podcast author Kenny Bolin. McNaught revealed to Bolin that some of the high ranking WWE officials encouraged the use of steroids to make them bigger and stronger. He said that both Jim Ross, the WWE ring announcer, and John Laurinaitis, the head of the company’s talent relations division were aware that he had used steroids to bulk himself up from January through March 2003 according to the report of The Day.

The WWE immediately counteract this allegation and defended the Talent Wellness Program of the company. The WWE said that the well being of the performers is their number one concern, without whom, WWE would not exist. The program include drug testing including steroids, cardiovascular testing, screening for possible head injuries, and yearly physicals and referrals to external consultants as needed.

“Specifically, our current Talent Wellness Policy is at least as good or commensurate with any others of its kind. As for the assertion that the company was embarrassed because Lance went to rehab , that is ridiculous. Other WWE performers have successfully completed rehab and are currently on the roster. We are proud that we can offer this assistance, and of our performers who have completed these programs,” the statement said.

But what enraged critics is the assertion of Linda McMahon that they should not be blamed for the deaths of its employees outside the ring. Wrestlers under WWE are still treated as independent contractors and were not given health benefits. The father of Lance lambasted Linda McMahon for her statement regarding his son. “I might have met him once,” McMahon said in an interview. In the report of the Day, Harley McNaught said that Linda met his sons in 2 different occasions and called his son by name. “She disrespected him. She disrespected my family,” Harley said.

Ed Patru, Linda’s campaign spokesperson defended his boss. He explained that it “certainly wasn’t Linda’s intent to diminish any additional interaction she may have had” with McNaught. He also added that the WWE has nearly 600 employees and 140 performers. I think it’s understandable that Linda may not recollect every interaction she’s had, particularly given the fact that she’s personally met with thousands of voters since resigning her position at WWE in September. Linda’s a very kind and sympathetic person, but she is human,” said Patru.

In the interview of Bolin, McNaught was also asked if there are other high profile wrestlers who are involved in steroid use. “We’re not dumb. We know who’s using and who’s not. It comes down to, ‘Well, do you like your income, do you the like the fact’ - hey, I have two daughters. Do I want to keep giving them a better life and shut my mouth, or say something? ‘Cause if you say something, your — is gone,” said McNaught.

In February 2005, PowerMedica was raided by agents of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its illegal activities. Undercover investigators were able to buy steroids and human growth hormone from PowerMedica at 600 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield without valid prescriptions. The drug company operates a large scale distribution and sale of steroids and human growth hormones to thousands of customers with the help of doctors who signed prescriptions without any consultation with the patients.

The chief executive of PowerMedica, Daniel Dailey told the investigators that time that all of their customers do have valid prescriptions but in May he pleaded guilty to the charges. On Friday, Dailey was sentenced 46 months in prison for conspiracy to unlawfully distribute human growth hormone and conspiracy to unlawfully distribute steroids.

Court records showed that the company sold steroids and human growth hormone to thousands of customers including several active police officers and firefighters across the country. These clients acquired prescriptions from doctors who are also connected with the company but investigations revealed that there were no physical exams or review of patients medical histories conducted on these clients. Thus making the prescriptions illegal. It was also noted that most of the purchases were for non-legitimate medical purposes according to the report of the Sun Sentinel. Most of them are bodybuilders and people who want to slow down the aging process, the report said.

Ellen Cohen, the Assistant U.S. Attorney said that since the customers purchased these steroids and HGH without medical supervision, they are prone to health risks. She said that most of the human growth hormones came from China and its potency and the ingredients used were not tested for safety and effectiveness. She noted that the business of Dailey was profitable. “There was money coming in, enormous amounts of money,” she said.

Dailey is also cooperating with the authorities in other investigations related to steroid distribution. Prosecutors want him to testify in the Orlando-based pharmacy that was also investigated for selling steroids without valid prescriptions. There were already 15 people convicted in the steroid distribution and 5 are still facing criminal charges. The Signature Pharmacy case is being heard in Albany NY. Dailey is also expected to take the witness stand against his father who is also involved in running PowerMedica.

Another defendant in the case, Dr. Manuel Sanguily, 77, of Tarrytown, N.Y. was also sentenced to spend 30 months in prison. The former Olympic swimmer, who represented Cuba for 2 Olympic Games admitted to charges. He is one of the doctors who worked with the drug company and signed more than 2,000 prescription orders for PowerMedica without meeting a single patient according to the report.

U.S. District Judge James I. Cohn said that the participation of Dr. Sanguily warrants a prison sentence. “The court cannot ignore the danger that resulted from writing prescriptions for over 2,000 individuals the doctor never met,” he said. The Sun Sentinel also reported that both defendants will not have to report to prison until March 1.

Roger Clemens could have avoided the charges if he did the right thing years ago. Now, his arraigned is set because of several charges filed against him. He will be defending himself in the federal court for lying, making false statements and obstruction of justice. He will appear on Monday at the US District Court in Washington under Judge Reggie Walton.

Many have opined that if Roger Clemens did not volunteer himself in the Congressional inquiry, he will not be suffering from this long legal battle which may send him to jail if convicted. According to legal experts, Clemens may receive 12 to 20 months jail term if convicted of all the charges plus huge fine. The inquiry on the rampant use of performance enhancing drugs in baseball revealed so many baseball star players who allegedly used PED’s to improve their skills and gain competitive advantage.

Clemens, who was also called as the Rocket, was not spared from the controversy. His name appeared several times in the Mitchell Report and his former trainer Brian McNamee gave testimonies that he injected Clemens with steroids and human growth hormone in many occasions. The testimony of Andy Pettite, (his former team mate in the NY Yankees) also put him into the bandwagon of steroid users in baseball. Pettite said that Clemens told him that he used HGH in 1999 or 2000.

In an effort to clear his name, Roger Clemens came to Congress and offered himself to be one of the resource persons. Former U.S. Rep. Tom Davis recalled that Clemens was not under subpoena. “He came voluntarily. He wanted to come to the committee and clear his name. “I sat there in the office with Henry Waxman and said, ‘Whatever you do, don’t lie,’” said Davis.

The former representative who is part of the House Panel investigating baseball’s steroid era told The Philly Inquirer that the indictment is a self inflicted wound on Roger Clemens. The committee believed that Clemens may not be telling the truth when he said that he never used steroids or human growth hormones. “When a witness, such as Roger Clemens, lies, as I think he did, he should be held accountable,” said Rep. Henry Waxman. Davis also said that they don’t have any choice but to refer the case to the Justice Department.

Clemens could have also decided to just accept the fact that if he really used steroids his name will really come out. If he followed what Mark McGwire did, he could have a better life right now like reviving his career in baseball. A former baseball legend also said in an interview that Clemens should have come clean. In the interview of ESPN, Pete Rose said he doesn’t believe that Clemens is telling the truth and the statement of Pettite is more credible.

Rose knows that Clemens will stick to his claim. “The only advice I’d give him would be something that he’s probably 120 percent against,” said Rose who was banned in baseball for betting on the game. He admitted his offense in 2004 but he wish he had come clean in 1989. “Because I would’ve saved myself a lot of grief, a lot of everything,” he said.

Judge Walton already issued a gag order for both parties including possible witnesses not to issue public statements that will affect the case. The perjury case of “The Rocket” is docketed as U.S. v. Clemens, 10-cr-00223, U.S. District Court, District of Columbia (Washington).