Golf is a sport that does not require physical strength, big muscles and stamina but the sport is not exempted from controversies caused by performance enhancing drugs and steroids. This month, the PGA is under hot seat for its latest ruling on the case of Doug Barron. The professional golfer was suspended for a year because of a positive result for testosterone and beta-blocker. These substances are prohibited under the anti-doping policy of the PGA.
Barron filed for a temporary restraining order in court to block the suspension. However, the federal magistrate in Memphis decided in favor of the PGA. The decision of U.S. Magistrate Tu Pham was welcomed by the sports organization saying that their decision to suspend the player for one year was fair. The court said that Doug Barron has not shown a likelihood of success on the merits of his claims. Although it is a loss for Barron’s camp, his attorney said that the decision is encouraging since the court raised some important questions about the PGA Tour’s anti-doping program. “We saw a 33-page opinion that is packed full of good stuff for us,” said Barron’s lawyer.
Atty. Jeffrey Rosenblum, who represents Doug Barron, said in an interview with the Daily News, that his client was disappointed because he won’t be able to play in the qualifying tournament. “While we are disappointed in the courts denial for a temporary restraining order, we are encouraged by a number of findings by the court,” he said. “We consider this ruling a partial victory for Doug Barron. The court’s ruling supports our allegations that there are serious questions to be addressed regarding the PGA Tour’s application of its doping policy,” the lawyer added.
The 40 year-old journeyman brought the case into court when he failed to obtain therapeutic use exemptions (TUE) for testosterone and propranolol, a beta blocker. He asked for the exemption for taking the beta blocker in 2008 and then asked PGA to grant him exemption for testosterone in January 2009. His lawyer argued that the use of these substances is under a medical supervision because of his client’s health condition. Barron started to use testosterone in 2005 because of a very low hormone level in his body. According to reports, Barron’s testosterone level is compared to an 80 year old man thus he needs to take synthetic testosterone to correct this condition. At the age of 18, Barron was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse. This is a heart condition that can cause pain in the chest, difficulty in breathing and abnormal heart rate. He started taking propranolol in 1987 under medical supervision. His lawyer said that the suspension is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If his client will be forced to stop his medication, it can lead to weakened immune system and a low sex drive.
Although, Barron may be using these drugs for a legitimate health condition, it is still banned by the PGA. Beta blockers are also known to calm nerves and athletes use it to reduce tension in the hands. This could be used to enhance performance in sports where precision is needed. Testosterone is also prohibited because of its ability to increase strength and stamina.
Court records showed that Barron was already told to stop taking the drugs but a week before the St. Jude Classic tournament, he still took testosterone. The urine sample tested showed an elevated testosterone above the 6:1 ratio. “If a player wants a (therapeutic use exemption for a banned substance) he’s given every chance to submit his medical records to a committee and ask for one,” said Rich Young, lawyer for the PGA. “The question is if he didn’t get a TUE would he suffer and, in Doug’s case, the recommendation from the committee was no, he would not and that didn’t justify a TUE request.”
Sports analysts were also divided on the issue whether the suspension was fair or not. Art Horne, agent of Barron, said in a statement to Golf.com that it was never a case of a guy in a back room taking creams or using needles. “This was a guy taking what was prescribed to him by medical doctors for conditions that others have been given exemptions for. We feel Doug has been treated unfairly,” Horn said. “The rules have not been applied uniformly. We feel as though there are parts of the anti-doping statute that have been put in place that are arbitrary,” he added.
Ben Eagle of the Huffington Post also reported that one professional golfer was able to get therapeutic use exemptions from PGA. Shaun Micheel, 2003 PGA Championship winner, was able to secure a TUE for testosterone. He said that even Micheel explained that it was very difficult to obtain a TUE, the fact still remains that there is precedent in Barron’s case.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport finally decided to ban for life the Brazilian swimmer Rebeca Gusmao who was found doping on testosterone. Gusmao has earned several gold medals for her country but was later stripped of her medals due to doping offenses. Anti-doping authorities tested her positive for elevated testosterone levels in 2006 during the national championships. She was also tested positive for the second time just days before the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro. The Brazilian swimmer deliberately tampered the urine sample she submitted during the Pan American Games by switching her sample with another person. She was caught when a team of WADA observers in Rio suspected that the swimmer may have tampered the doping controls. The body conducted a DNA analysis and they were able to prove their allegations.
The AFP published the press release issued by the CAS which is based in Lausanne, Switzerland. “The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has rendered its final decision in the cases concerning the Brazilian swimmer Rebecca Braga Gusmao. The CAS has confirmed the decisions taken by FINA Doping Panels on 12 May 2008, 17 July 2008 and 3 September 2008, in the last of which, Ms Gusmao was declared ineligible to compete for life,” according to the sports governing body.
In 2007 Rio Games, Gusmao was able to get the 50 and 100 meter freestyle events. She also lead her team to the second place in the 400 free relay and 3rd in the 400 medley relay. FINA stripped off her medals and their medals in the team event were also forfeited. Her medals for individual category were awarded to Arlene Semeco of Venezuela while for the team category, Canada got the second position and Venezuela for the 3rd position in the 400 free relay. The bronze medal for the medley relay was also awarded to Bahamas.
The International Swimming Federation (FINA) allowed her to participate in the 2007 games because her 2006 testosterone case is still pending. FINA suspended her for two years for her first offense and issued a lifetime ban in September 2008. However, Gusmao’s legal team elevated the issue to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. They argued that the testing laboratory in Brazil may have provided inaccurate results. The Brazilian swimmer also claimed that she was a victim of a conspiracy. She insisted that she is innocent and did not tamper any anti-doping tests. The arbitrators dismissed those arguments and stands firm on its decision in favor of FINA. The court said that there were 3 clear anti-doping rule violations. The 2 were in the form of presence of a prohibited substance while the other one is in the form of tampering with a doping control.
The professional career of Rebeca Gusmao ended with the decision of CAS. Gusmao will not be able to participate in any professional swimming competitions or play in any professional sports. It was also reported that Gusmao is trying to start a career in professional soccer. The lifetime ban will only allow her to play in amateur leagues and pick-up games. Her illegal use of testosterone to boost her performance in swimming competition does not only end her career but also tainted the reputation of her country. Gusmao is a new addition to the growing list of professional swimmers like Jessica Hardy and Chinese Olympic swimmers who were caught by sports authorities.
A new product which is considered as a replacement for traditional steroids is being sold online and on the black market based on an article published by Science Daily. This non-steroidal product is used primarily for the treatment of various diseases which include sarcopenia, osteoporosis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and cancer cachexia. SARMs or Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators can give the benefits provided by anabolic steroids but with minimal side effects. This is one of the reasons why the product is becoming popular in the sports arena.
However, the major concern of experts is the absence of further studies to verify its effects and benefits. It is currently classified as a therapeutic product for some diseases but no formal studies have been conducted to support its claims. A group of researchers from the German Sport University Cologne in Germany made an analysis on a particular brand of SARM to determine its content and at the same time gather additional information on the product. According to the Science Daily article, the not yet aprroved arylpropionamide-derived SARM is currently marketed as a green tea and face moisturizer. It can be bought online at $100.
The possible misuse of the product also prompted the researchers to conduct the study. They used state-of-the-art mass spectrometric approaches with high resolution/high accuracy (tandem) mass spectrometry. Dr. Mario Thevis, Ph.D. and his colleagues made the analysis using a sample purchased online. “One unit (30 mL) was purchased online and delivered in a box labeled to contain face moisturizer and green tea extract. The sealed bottle did not declare any content and no further documents accompanied package,” Dr. Thevis said. Additional technical information was also shared by the doctor. He explained that LC-MS(/MS) analysis of the solution revealed the presence of S-4 at approximately 150 mg/mL with equal amounts in each container, yielding a total of 4.5 g of the SARM.
The criteria used by the group involve the active ingredient and characterized by the following:
a) its elemental composition (as determined by high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometry,
b) comparison to synthesized reference material regarding retention time and product ion mass spectrum, and
c) elucidation of its mass spectrometric behavior. Besides the detection of the active ingredient S-4, a significant amount of byproduct was observed.
The result of the study showed some major concern on the product. Dr. Thevis explained that the product with considerable anabolic properties is readily available on the internet without sufficient research on its undesirable effects. “This is especially significant where uncontrolled dosing is applied and drug impurities with unknown effects are present in considerable amounts as observed in the studied material,” he said.
The issue on the possible abuse of therapeutic products was also tackled in the Conference of Parties to the International Convention against Doping in Sport, held last month at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) headquarters in Paris. In order to get rid of trafficking and illegal supply of prohibited substances in sports, government agencies should adopt new laws and regulations said WADA President John Fahey.
The researchers suggested that sports organizations should implement screening procedures for emerging therapeutic compounds as part of its drug testing policy. The use of SARM as a performance enhancing drug like anabolic steroids is a new elixir for professional athletes. “Our study demonstrates once more that the misuse of therapeutics without clinical approval by athletes cannot be dismissed,” Dr. Thevis added.
On the other hand, a scientific advisor of GTX which manufactures SARM, said that it works similarly to testosterone but in a more targeted way. He said that SARMs are effective by binding to the steroid receptor in only specific tissue, like muscles. “They are not steroid drugs, but they produce the anabolic effect of the steroids,” Evans said. The drug also shows that it can boost lean muscle mass in older people based on clinical trials.
In fulfilling its promise to cooperate with the authorities, the bodybuilding site selling supplements recalled its products which were already out in the market. These products were believed containing anabolic steroids or with steroid like properties. The headquarters of the famous bodybuilding site was raided by the FDA due to reports that they were selling supplements tainted with steroids. In previous interviews, the spokesperson of the company did not elaborate the products or supplements being targeted by the FDA. They are also mum on the number and particular brand of supplements which the agency categorized as anabolic steroids.
In the press release issued by the US FDA, the bodybuilding site already recalled the products in question. What is alarming is the number of supplements that may fall under the classification of steroids or product which may contain steroids. Anabolic steroids are classified drugs which can only be purchased with legal prescriptions and to be used for other health conditions. The FDA is also concerned on the possible side effects of the drugs if not used properly or without any medical supervision. The FDA said that some of the possible side effects of steroids may include shrinkage of the testes and male infertility, masculinization of women, breast enlargement in males, short stature in children, a higher predilection to misuse other drugs and alcohol, adverse effects on blood lipid levels, and increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and death.
The Chicago Tribune listed all the products recalled by the company. There were 65 supplement products named in the list.
Some of these products are still subject to confirmatory tests to know if it really contain anabolic steroids or other steroid-like ingredients. According to the company, they recalled the products as a caution to the public. They have to wait for the final result of the tests from government agencies to determine if these products should fall under classified drugs or remain as a nutritional supplement.
During the congressional hearing, the FDA asked the legislators to propose law that would help them regulate the supplements industry. The FDA can only take action against manufacturers and distributors when the product is already out in the market. Under the current Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), supplements are not approved for safety or efficacy by the FDA before they sell it to the public. The safety of the product relies on the manufacturers. There were even claims on the efficacy of supplement products but were later on proven to be untrue.
For people who want to return the products purchased from the bodybuilding site, they can call 1-866-236-8417 or email service@bodybuilding.com.
Meanwhile, the Irish Medicine Board (IMB) also issued a warning to Irish consumers specially those people who purchased supplements online. They are concerned on the possibility that a lot of people may have purchased from the said bobyduilding site.
The recent feat of Pound for Pound King Manny Pacquiao did not escape controversies. His rivals continue to hint that his remarkable win was due to some performance enhancing drugs or steroids. The most vocal on this issue is the camp of Floyd Mayweather Jr. His father previously accused Pacquiao of using steroids when he defeated Ricky Hatton in early rounds and suggests that organizers should check Pacquiao for any performance enhancing substance. Other professional boxers were also riding with the issue being floated by trainer Mayweather Sr.
The trainer hinted again that Manny is on steroids. “If it was me, I wouldn’t fight him. Whether I could whip him or not, I wouldn’t fight him, because things ain’t right. I’m pretty sure that’s what it is,” said Floyd Mayweather Sr. Most sports columnist believes that the accusation of Mayweather Sr. is just a negotiating tactic and could be the result of his sour relationship with promoter Bob Arum. According to Wallace Mathews of Newsday, this could be used as a reason to duck the most awaited fight of the century or just an excuse to a possible first loss for his son.
Floyd Sr. also told SI that he would advise his son not to fight Pacquiao, the current WBO Welterweight Champion. He believed Pacquiao’s ability to absorb Cotto’s shots and keep coming is proof that Pacquiao is taking performance-enhancing substances — an accusation for which he had no proof. “I know Floyd is the best but when [your opponent] uses something illegal, even the best can get hurt,” Mayweather Sr. added. Analyst believes that the next opponent of the 7 division world champion realizes that it would be difficult for him to beat the best pound for pound boxer.
Another professional boxer commented that the win by TKO of Manny Pacquiao over Miguel Cotto could be the result of taking something but did not elaborate on it. In the interview with Boxingscene, Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi, who has an upcoming rematch on December with Juan Diaz, insinuated that the accusations of Maywearther Sr. could be true. “I think there is something up with Manny Pacquiao. I am not going to get into it. I think people will understand what I am saying. Full blown welterweights don’t take those type of punches from Miguel Cotto the way he took them with total disregard for his power nor do they hurt him with every punch they hit him with. These are full blown welterweights I am talking about. This guy is coming up in weight and doing all these things. There is something up with this guy but that’s as far as I am going to go into it. Floyd Mayweather (Senior) has gotten into it a little bit,” Malignaggi said.
He said that other fighters also mentioned this issue on steroids use but Malignaggi was careful in his statements by avoiding direct accusations. “I am not going to get into no controversy. I am going to leave it at that. There is something that seriously makes me feel weird about Manny Pacquiao. I am going to leave it at that,” he said.
Pro boxer Kermit Cintron also said that Manny Pacquiao was on something. He made this statement before the scheduled WBO welterweight Championship match.
Freddie Roach is always on the rescue of his precious ward. In the interview with Newsday, Roach said that Manny need no steroids and he doesn’t even know what they are. “All these years, the guy was killing himself to make weight,” Roach said. “He couldn’t eat while he was training and he was very unhappy. Now, he can eat breakfast the day of the weigh-in, and it makes a huge difference for him,” the trainer added.
The Nevada Athletic Commission which supervises every fight cleared Pacquiao of his involvement in any performance enhancing substance banned by the organization. Its executive director, Kieth Kizer said that there is no evidence Pacquiao is using steroids. All boxers are required to submit urine samples every fight and being tested for 40 kinds of steroids, masking agents and diuretics. All fights of Pacquiao in Las Vegas returned negative results since 2002. In the SI article, Pacquiao only took whey protein and liver-support supplements and consuming a 6,500-calories-per-day diet.
Most bodybuilders and powerlifters rely on anabolic steroids to develop muscles and boost their strength. It becomes a significant part of their regimen specially when participating in bodybuilding competitions. It is a fact that steroids can be used to achieve better body physique within a short period of time. However, there are some bodybuilders and powerlifters who prefer to develop their body the natural way. Bodybuilding and powerlifting competitions where performance enhancing drugs are prohibited starts to gain some popularity. In UK, a powerlifter who rely on traditional workouts and adheres to natural bodybuilding recently won 3 new world records.
In the recently concluded World Drug Free Powerlifting Federation’s World Championships held in Milton Keynes, England, Ron Nicodemus established 3 new world records. Nicodemus is a quality control manager at Fort Wayne and devotes his free time in powerlifting as his sport. He participated in the under-145 kilogram class at 45 to 49 age category. His impressive performances were as follows; bench-pressed 468 pounds, squatted 530 pounds and did a 601-pound deadlift. The combined total of his bench press, squat and deadlift was 1,599 pounds which all surpassed previous records.
Frank Gray of the Journal Gazette was able to interview Nicodemus about his great performance in the world championship. The powerlifter said that his achievement was due to his rigid training since August. He also shared his view on the use of steroids and human growth hormone in the bodybuilding and powerlifting sports. Drug free competitions and “open” categories emphasize the common use of anabolic steroids in bodybuilding and powerlifting. Even it promises fast results, Nicodemus prefer to excel in his chosen sport in a natural way. He’s proud that he was able to set new world records without the use of any special equipment to make it easier to lift like special shirts and knee wraps. These gears help the muscles contract and artificially give a lifter more strength. The most important thing was he made it without using any performance enhancing drug.
In the interview, Nicodemus said that time is already changing the sport. He told Gray that drug-free competitions have been growing in the past 3 to 5 years. One of the reasons why some athletes shun the use of steroids and other drugs is the risk of getting caught. It is also becomes a problem for some how to get these drugs, the cost, and the hassle of getting it from the black market. “I know of guys who have bought steroids and been burned,” getting a vial of olive oil instead of the real drug,” he said.
He added that more athletes are realizing that they can accomplish a lot naturally, just relying on a good diet and supplements. “Guys who are drug-free are putting up some pretty impressive weights,” the powerlifter said.
He also commented on the way the event was handled by its organizers. It was disorganized and the competition lasted for 14 hours which make the competitors exhausted.
Golf is a sport that does not require physical strength, big muscles and stamina but the sport is not exempted from controversies caused by performance enhancing drugs and steroids. This month, the PGA is under hot seat for its latest ruling on the case of Doug Barron. The professional golfer was suspended for a year because of a positive result for testosterone and beta-blocker. These substances are prohibited under the anti-doping policy of the PGA.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport finally decided to ban for life the Brazilian swimmer Rebeca Gusmao who was found doping on 
A new product which is considered as a replacement for traditional 
In fulfilling its promise to cooperate with the authorities, the 
Most bodybuilders and powerlifters rely on