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

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