While steroids becomes a sensation in boxing, its rival MMA has started to get public attention for its internal problem on steroids. Accusations of steroid use from other fighters looms and positive tests of other players become a major issue in the arena of mixed martial arts. The surge in popularity of this contact sports is a proof that players will do everything just to establish a name and become a champion. It is a sport not spared from the benefits of using performance enhancers.

Just like in boxing, MMA champions were not isolated from steroid accusations especially the heavyweights. Frank Mir is the latest fighter implicated in the use of steroids. The abrupt change of his body physique caught the attention of his critics. The 21 pounds shredded from his weight when he fought Cheick Kongo in UFC 107 raised some speculations. With his more muscular and beefed up body, he was able to dropped Kongo in the first round and finished him with a guillotine choke early in the fight. Mir is quick to address the issue but did not make it as a major concern. “I understand, everyone is quick to downplay anyone who is successful,” he said during an interview. He told to Cagewriter.com that his performance now is due to the help of his strength and conditioning coach Mark Philippi. The coach and a former Strongest Man winner did not administered any banned or illegal substance during his training. “Mark Phillipe is a huge man himself and he’s always been a drug-free athlete. He’s never had to use that to compete with and he’s in the upper echelon. That’s kind of why I chose him because I see guys who are out there that are super strong,” Mir said.

“I had the mentality that well, I’m going to have to be a cardio freak and every extra pound is going to count against me. So if it’s not pure muscle it’s a waste of my time.” He said that 261 pounds is his natural body weight. “If you look at those 10 pounds you have to look at what percentage of that is muscle. I’m not really a 245-pound guy,” he said.

Mir is still determined to bulk up as he prepares for a rematch against the heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar. The match is still in limbo due to the health condition of Lesnar. For the meantime, Frank Mir is being matched against the super-sized Shane Carwin on March 2010.

Another steroid accusation came from trainer Rudy Valentino and BJ Penn. The trainer told SI that they felt Georges St. Pierre was on steroids when he fought BJ Penn on their rematch. “I think it’s because of his so-called steroid use, and all of that, that B.J. felt it was an unfair fight. We heard from certain people that used to train with him, telling us what he did in the past. That’s why, we had a heads up on that,” he said. He also speculated that St. Pierre was on a steroid cycle that’s why he never tested positive for any steroids. “When you cycle steroids, you’re not going to test positive. You can cycle it right up to the time of the fight and not test positive on that,” he added.

The most intriguing accusation was from K-1 fighter Zabit Samedov saying that “almost all” Dutch fighters are using steroids. In the sbnation.com report, Samedov gave fearless statements about the allege doping of Golden Glory’s fighters. “Almost all Dutch fighters juice. For example, in Golden Glory it’s almost a part of the club’s policy. They shoot up and fight like it’s nothing. Because of that when they get to the ring they start raging. Think about it yourself, how could Bard Hari change his physical complexion so much in two years?” He also added that Karaev trained in Holland and said that Zimmerman shoots up in front of everyone and only after that starts training. ” Look at what an elephant Zimmerman had become in just two years. But most of these fighters pass all medical tests for steroids.” He also told sbnation that the fighters consume an extremely high level of pharmaceutical drug and undergo an expensive 3 month cycle to get huge.

However, this allegation was immediately denied by Golden Glory’s Bas Boon during an interview with HeadKickLegend.com. Boon asked so many questions against Samedov and told the press that it is the most ridiculous remark he ever heard from a fighter. “Why would he call Samedov and tell this outsider Samedov that Zimmerman shoots steroids in front of his teamates? Maybe Karaev came to Holland to infiltrate the GG camp and then brief Zamedov with the secret medicine GG uses? Did Zamedov get hired by the athletic commission who tested Zamedov positive himself? “I guess it must be frustrating being Samedov’s height and weight - to make accusations in the press like he does, we feel sorry for him,” he added.

Meanwhile, the appeal of Josh Barnett on his steroid case was postponed on February 22, 2010. The case stemmed from the cancellation of his license by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) due to a positive anabolic steroid test in July. Barnett questioned the results and denied using anabolic steroids and any performance enhancing drugs.

The positive test for anabolic steroid was the third in the 12-year career of Josh Barnett who is the youngest champion in the history of UFC. His anabolic steroid use was first detected by the NSAC (Nevada State Athletic Commission) during his title fight against Randy Couture in 2002. Three anabolic steroids were found on his system which resulted to the stripping-off his belt. Barnetts’ anabolic steroid problem also caused the cancellation of his fight against Fedor Emelianenko in Affliction last August.

The match-up between Mayweather and Pacquiao could be shelved indefinitely for excessive demands from Mayweather’s camp that Pacquiao should undergo an Olympic style blood testing. It has become a debate on most online boxing sites whether the request is still reasonable. Mayweather Sr. made accusations that Pacman is using steroids. On the other hand, the pound for pound king has never been tested positive for any steroids or performance enhancing drugs throughout his career. The NSAC has maintained its position that the Pacman is clear of any steroids every time he fights in Nevada.

The team of Mayweather insists that Pacquiao should subject himself to blood testing under the supervision of USADA to know whether he is using steroids or any banned substances. The steroid testing that they want will be made before the fight which was already rejected by Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum. Pacquiao’s camp agreed for blood testing but the test should be conducted one day before the kickoff press conference, 30 days before the fight and immediately after the fight. The failure of both camps to meet an agreement has annoyed many boxing fans. Boxing analysts were also divided on the issue. Some says that Pacquiao’s refusal to take an Olympic style blood testing could be a hint that the 7 division world champion is taking something illegal. Some believes that the demands of Mayweather could be a sign that the former pound-for-pound king is afraid of Pacquiao. Below are some of the statements of officials from boxing organizations and sports writers.

World Boxing Council Secretary General, Rudy Salud said to Philboxing.com that the filing of libel case against the Mayweathers and their promoters is a winnable case. “I’ve been waiting for them (Pacquiao and Arum) to do that. They have all the right to do that and they will win that case. They cannot deny the statements in which they have accused Pacquiao without any evidence. They are caught. No way for them to get out of that.” Salud also said that the Mayweathers have to prove their allegations and can’t force Pacquiao to undergo any test to prove his innocence under any specific system because of the presumption of innocence. Pacquiao can also use the result of his steroid tests from the Nevada State Athletic Commission as evidence.

The WBC President Don Jose Sulaiman told insidesports.ph that he believes Manny Pacquiao is clean. “Manny has had many WBC title fights. He’s always been clean. I know him as a decent, exceptional, clean person and I don’t think it was fair” for such allegations about being on performance-enhancing drugs to be made,” he said during a phone interview. Sulaiman thinks that the allegations were due to Pacman’s decision to leave the Golden Boy Promotions. “They had him before and now he’s not with them and that’s why they attack him this way and it’s not fair,” said Sulaiman.

Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz told the media that Manny is not against any form of drug testing mandated by any state athletic sports commission and in fact supports the effort to keep all athletic disciplines free of drugs because athletes are role models for the youth.

Brad Cooney of 8countnews.com wrote in his article that the decision of Mayweather is unconscionable. He advised Floyd Mayweather Jr. to be quiet and fire the entire team and replace them with people that will advise him properly. “The decisions that the Mayweather camp have made thus far leading up to this train wreck have been unconscionable,” he said.

Brian Wilbur of Boxing Mailbag also asked so many questions on the real intent of the Mayweather’s camp. “Does Floyd have the upper hand over Pacman to arrogantly demand USADA testing? Does Floyd have upper hand over NSAC when it comes to USADA testing?” said Brian. “I’m just wondering why Floyd, in collusion with Golden Boy Promotions, are trying to usurp Nevada State Athletic Commission jurisdiction over the matter of testing boxers?” he added. He also noted why Floyd is making demands where he is only the challenger. For Brian, Pacman has the prerogative to reject the request for blood tests since he is the current champion and should refer the matter to NSAC who has the sole jurisdiction of boxing fights in Las Vegas.

However, there are also some comments that defend the Mayweather’s demand. There are some steroids that can’t be detected by ordinary urine testing. HGH or human growth hormone and other designer steroids are not detected through urine tests. An example is the case of Shane Mosley who admitted to steroid use in previous fights but never failed a steroid test under NSAC. Olympic style blood testing is more reliable in catching performance enhancing drugs. The random test can also ensure that the user can’t time their steroid cycle to prepare for a blood test so if a boxer knew the date of the steroid test he could time his cycles accordingly to avoid detection.

A possible solution, as suggested in Brian’s Boxing Mailbag, is meeting at the middle. “If they allowed random testing up to four days before the fight instead of 30 days as Arum wanted, plus do the blood test directly after the fight, I think that would appease all parties.” It would give Pacquiao enough time to recover from the side effects of giving blood. With this time frame, a user will definitely return a positive result. Floyd Mayweather should accept this set-up if he really wants to fight and Manny Pacquiao should also accept this if he has nothing to hide.

With so many professional athletes involved in steroid controversies, it is not surprising that it was chosen as the top story of the year. The poll which was sponsored by the Associated Press required its members to choose the best sports story for 2009. It was conducted last month and the result was released recently. Editors and sports writers of different newspapers across the country were asked to rank the top 10 sports stories that matter for this year. Based on the ranking system, the 1st place sports story will get 10 points while the 10th place will get the lowest point.

According to the Associated Press, the number of players involved in the steroid scandals got the highest votes from the member press. It even surpassed the story on Tiger Woods‘ car accident which then leads to his extra-marital affairs and now with his alleged steroids use. Sports editors particularly identified those controversies made by players of the Major League Baseball which captured the headlines all throughout the year. The league is still plague by steroids and PEDs use after they started a comprehensive anti-doping program.

Let us look back how the major league was dragged into steroid controversies this year. It all started with A-Rod’s revelation that he used steroids when he was still playing for the Texas Rangers in 2001-2003. A-Rod was forced to confess due to the report of SI that he was one of the 104 players tested positive for a banned substance. His return to the New York Yankees after hip surgery proves that he can still deliver good statistics for the team even without performance enhancing drugs on his body.

Another major story that top the headlines in May was the 50-game suspension of Manny Ramirez. The Los Angeles Dodgers slugger used HCG, a female fertility drug. Although it is not a steroid, the use of HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is popular among steroid users since it can help lessen the side effects after a steroid cycle.

Miguel Tejada is the first major leaguer who admitted to the court that he bought HGH (human growth hormone) and pleaded guilty for lying during a Congressional inquiry about steroids use in MLB. He is now serving his 1 year probation. The case of Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens are still being fought in court. Both were involved in the use of performance enhancing drugs.

The supposed confidential list of 104 players tested for steroids in a 2003 survey was also leaked to the media. Aside from Alex Rodriguez, the names of Samy Sosa and David Ortiz also came out. It also prompted some lawmakers to conduct another investigation on Sosa’s steroid use since he vehemently denied it during the congressional hearing. The long list of MLB players implicated in the steroid controversies includes Bronson Arroyo, Jose Canseco, Mark McGwire, JC Romero and many others. The continued implementation of the steroids policy revealed how the Major League’s players were boost up by performance enhancers.

Here’s the complete list of the top 10 sports stories for the year 2009. The list was published by the springfieldnewssun.com.

1. Those caught in MLB’s crackdown on performance enhancing drugs.

2. Jimmie Johnson’s fourth straight NASCAR championship.

3. Roger Federer’s 15th Grand Slam title.

4. Brett Favre unretired — again — to lead Vikings to division title.

5. Tiger Woods’ late Thanksgiving night crash leads to admission of many long-term affairs, dropped sponsors, likely divorce and an indefinite “time out” from golf.

6. Steelers win sixth Super Bowl on Santonio Holmes’ TD catch

7. Yankees beat Phillies in World Series at new Yankee Stadium

8. Usain Bolt sets world records (100 & 200) at world championships

9. Tom Watson, 59, comes within 8-foot putt of British Open title

10. Tiger Woods returns to Tour after injury; finishes year at No. 1

The most awaited fight of the century may not happen anymore because of the insistence of Mayweather’s camp to subject Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao into Olympic style blood tests for steroids. The accusation that Pacquiao is on steroid was started by Mayweather Sr., the trainer and father of the former pound-for-pound king. In the latest feat of Pacquiao against Cotto, Mayweather Sr. told the media that he knows his son is the best fighter but if his opponent uses something illegal, even the best can get hurt. The trainer has been very vocal in this issue for months already but up to this time, he had not presented any evidence to prove his claims. Many believe that his badmouthing against the 7 division world champion is a tactic to avoid the match between his son and Pacquiao. As a trainer he knows how powerful Pacquiao is. There are also speculations that Mayweather Jr. fears that this match-up could be his first loss which could taint his good record in the ring.

The reluctance of Pacquiao to subject himself to a series of blood test near the fight proves that Manny is on something according to the trainer. “Like I said from the start, that was just my opinion. It’s a lot of people’s opinions now. For that kind of money how could you not take the test? There’s a reason,” said Mayweather Sr. Yesterday, Pacquiao issued a statement to the local media in the Philippines that he is now filing suit against Mayweather Sr. for libel and defamation. According to Pacquaio, his refusal to take blood test for steroids is due to its effects on him during the fight. It could weaken him but it is not because he is afraid to be tested for steroids or any performance enhancing drugs.

The pound-for-pound king is already annoyed of the continued allegations of steroids use. “Enough is enough,” Pacquiao said during an interview with local media. He believes that the issue is being used by the Mayweather’s camp as a publicity stunt. “I have tried to just brush it off as a mere pre-fight ploy but I think they have gone overboard,” he said. “These people (Mayweather Sr., Jr., and Golden Boy Productions) think it is a joke and a right to accuse someone wrongly of using steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs.

According to Pacquiao, he already called Bob Arum to help him file the case. “I have instructed him to help me out in the filing of the case as soon as possible because I have had people coming over to me now asking if I really take performance-enhancing drugs and I have cheated my way into becoming the No. 1 boxer in the world.” He assured everyone that his achievements were not tainted with steroids. “I maintain and assure everyone that I have not used any form or kind of steroids and that my way to the top is a result of hard work, hard work, hard work and a lot of blood spilled from my past battles in the ring, not outside of it,” said the Pacman. “I have no idea what steroids look like and my fear in God has kept me safe and victorious through all these years.”

Bob Arum of Top Rank Promotions also rejected the suggestion of Mayweather Sr. saying he would not give in to trivial issues. During a telephone call made by Fanhouse, Arum said that the scheduled fight on March 13 next year is absolutely off. “This fight is absolutely off. That’s our position, period, is that we’re moving on to Malignaggi,” said Arum. “And if Mayweather loses this fight, and all of this money, then he has only one guy to blame, and that’s Richard Schaefer. This is not Mayweather. This is Richard Schaefer,” Arum added.

He also refused to take part on the scheduled mediation arranged by Ross Greenburg of HBO Sports. “I’m not going to take part in any mediation or anything. I’m not going to deal with Richard Schaefer on instructions from my client. He’s demeaned and libeled my client for no damn reason. And I’m just not going to take part in it,” Arum said.

For those people who are expecting for this mega fight, Arum hinted that the fight could still materialize as long as there will be new people who will sit down on the negotiating table. “If they want to come back and have someone else represent them - Leonard Ellerbe, Mayweather’s adviser, or anybody else they want, then we can sit down and do this the right way with the Nevada Athletic Commission having complete jurisdiction over everything,” said Arum. If that would happen, they would agree to pre-fight testing, urine analysis, blood-testing, and whatever it took to get the fight done. “But we’d only do it with the Nevada Athletic Commission. But for now, Manny has asked me to move on to Malignaggi,” Arum added. The Top Rank executive believes that these issues were also related to his bitter relationship with the Golden Boy Promotions.

And now the 7 division world champion made a bold statement against Mayweather Jr. “Now, I say to Floyd Mayweather Jr., don’t be a coward and face me in the ring, mano-a-mano and shut your big, pretty mouth, so we can show the world who is the true king of the ring.”

While the case of Pat and Kevin Williams of the Vikings is still being fought in court, another Vikings player was suspended for violating the anti-doping policy of the NFL. Backup linebacker Erin Henderson was suspended for 4 games Tuesday for performance-enhancing substance which is a violation of the league’s policy. Henderson will not be able to play for the final 3 regular-season games and first playoff game. It is not yet clear what particular steroid or performance enhancing drug that caused his suspension. He will not be permitted to practice with the team and barred from the Winter Park as a result of the sanction.

Erin Henderson is the younger brother of E.J. Henderson who is also a linebacker. E.J. was on the injured list when he broke his left leg last December 6. The Minnesota Vikings already filled up the vacuum left by the Hendersons by signing in linebacker J Leman and cornerback DeAndre Wright. The two were already seen practicing with the team.

Brad Childress, Minnesota Vikings coach was disappointed on the sanction given to Henderson. “It’s always disappointing to lose good football players,” he said. “His state of mind wasn’t great when he left here, but he knew it was on the table. I expect him to take good care of himself here in the next four weeks, and we’ll see what unfolds,” Childress added when he spoke to the media.

Based on the statement published by twincities.com, Childress said that he is not alarmed on the multiple suspensions involving his players but still prefer of not having any. “Really, all different circumstances,” Childress said. “Not an overwhelming concern. Would I prefer none? Yeah,” he said.

On the other hand, the NFL suffered another setback on their request for reconsideration with the federal court. On Monday, the federal appeals court rejected their request for a rehearing of the case of Minnesota Vikings Pat and Kevin Williams. Last September, the court ruled in favor of the Williamses citing the Minnesota state laws which was violated by the league’s action. The decision was contested by the league since they will not be able to implement a uniform anti-doping standard nationwide. Other sports organizations supported this move by the NFL saying that their ability to impose policies against steroids and performance enhancing drugs will be affected.

The NFL was still fortunate that 4 of the 11 judges of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals made dissenting opinions. The NFL spokesperson, Greg Aiello, said that they were encouraged by the decision. “While we would have preferred the full Court of Appeals to hear the case, we are encouraged that four members of the court took the rare and extraordinary step of dissenting and doing so at length,” Aiello said to the Canadian Press. “They identified the flaws in the original three-member panel’s decision and agreed with our position,” he added. The league is also considering another option by bringing the case to the Supreme Court. According to Aiello, the NFL remains confident in both the eventual outcome of the litigation and the importance of maintaining a uniform, national policy on performance enhancing drugs.

The next hearing was scheduled on March 8 in Minneapolis. The suspension of Pat and Kevin Williams and two more players were put on hold while the case is still being heard in court. The case of the Vikings players stemmed from the Starcaps supplement which contained a diuretic banned by the league. Bumetanide, which can mask the use of steroids, was not disclosed on the label.

The car crash incident lead Tiger Woods to become the hottest topic in major publications and other media. The incident revealed the extra-marital affairs of Woods with not just one woman but many women. Major dailies recently reported two more women which were allegedly have an affair with the golfer up to this moment. Another report said that Woods paid his women regularly to be discreet about the affairs. They received $5000 to $20,000 monthly payment. Many are speculating that his marriage is on the way for separation. His wife, Elin Nordegren is planning to move out and will return to his home country Sweden where she recently bought a house.

The latest personality linked to Woods is Theresa Rogers who is already on her 40’s. According to the Dailymail UK, the affair of Woods with Rogers was the longest lasting more than five years. Miss Rogers is a fitness buff and was married several times. By the way, Rogers is said to be the 14th lover of Woods. The New York Post also named a nightclub waitress Julie Postle, 25, for allegedly having an affair with Woods 5 years ago. The long list of mistresses will be haunting Woods as he continue to be silent on the issue. Although he already apologized to the fans about his reported affairs but he also asked them to leave that matter between him and his family. It was also posted on Woods’ website that he is planning to take a break from the sport and did not elaborate how long. According to some sources from the PGA, the absence of Tiger Woods in the succeeding tours would mean huge losses for them.

The burden of the top ranked golfer will not end soon since new controversies are being linked to him. Now, it’s about steroids and human growth hormone. Although these are all speculations, some people are already urging the PGA to investigate Woods on his possible involvement in performance enhancing drugs.

The issue came out when New York Times reported that his doctor was arrested in the US-Canada border for allegedly carrying human growth hormone and Actovegin, a drug derived from calf’s blood. Importation, distribution and use of Actovegin in the US is illegal. Dr. Anthony Galea is responsible for the treatment of Woods’ knee injury in 2008. The doctor used a blood-spinning technique to speed up the recovery of the pro golfer. The doctor is now under investigation by the FBI for his possible involvement in providing professional athletes with performance enhancing drugs.

The insinuation that Woods is on steroids was his continued consultation with the doctor. It was reported in the Times that Dr. Galea visited him at his Isleworth home 4 or 5 times between February and March of this year. The treatment made was allegedly due to the slow recovery of the golfer from his surgery. Dr. Galea is well known to elite athletes for helping them speed-up recovery from injuries by using platelet-rich plasma therapy. The doctor already denied that he prescribed steroids or human growth hormones to any professional athlete.

Mark Steinberg, the agent of Woods from International Management Group (IMG) said in a statement that the report on steroid and HGH was irresponsible. “The treatment of Tiger received is a widely accepted therapy and to suggest some connection with illegality is recklessly irresponsible,” he said. The Sentinel also quoted Steinberg’s reaction on their allege referral of Woods’ surgery to Dr. Galea. “The New York Times is flat wrong, no one at IMG has ever met or recommended Dr. Galea, nor were we worried about the progress of Tiger’s recovery, as the Times falsely reported.”

The PGA Tour is also on the rescue. According to Ty Votaw, the executive VP of communications and international affairs of PGA, they have not seen any violation of their anti-doping policy. “We have read nothing in the published articles about Dr. Galea that would suggest a violation of our anti-doping policy as it relates to Tiger Woods and Dr. Galea.”

But some sports columnists were not convinced on the press releases issued by Woods’ camp. Some suggests that an investigation should be conducted to make the issue clear. Mike Bianchi of the Sentinel asked this question on his blog. “Why should we blindly assume the world’s top golfer is immune to cheating when top athletes in nearly every other sport (baseball, football, track, swimming, cycling, etc., etc.) have been accused of using performance-enhancers. And, yes, some of these athletes (see Lance Armstrong, Alex Rodriguez, Marion Jones, etc.) were beloved role models just like Tiger.”

Even with so many allegations on immorality and steroid use, Tiger Woods was still named the Athlete of the Decade.