Most baseball players involved in steroids were able to comeback in the game without too much pressure and the public opted to welcome them back into the game. However, it is a different story for Mark McGwire. After admitting his steroid use last month, McGwire is still under scrutiny and criticism on his doping still continues. Hiring a former presidential adviser as a PR man seems not a solution to Mark McGwire’s dilemma. In his effort to gain his name back and probably forgiveness from baseball fans and critics, McGwire graced in many media interviews saying he was sorry for the decisions he made during the time where he broke home run records.

It seems that this effort of McGwire is not enough for him to be back in baseball. He was even criticized by his former steroid supplier for not telling the whole truth about his steroid use. The latest is the initiative of Missouri Senator Ryan McKenna of Crystal City. The lawmaker wants the name of Mark McGwire be removed from the Interstate 70 highway. But what is the main reason why Senator McKenna is pushing for the renaming of the highway? During his first term as a state representative, McKenna’s first legislation is to name the 5 miles of roadway in honor for the St. Louis Cardinal slugger who achieved 70 homers in 1998.

It was in 2007 when McKenna started to push for the removal of Mark Mcgwire’s name in the highway but he was not successful. That time McGwire’s alleged steroid use was all rumors and the baseball legend was ignoring the issue. The highway in St. Louis, which runs from the northern limit of the city, would be given back to its original namesake, Mark Twain. Before it was named to Mark McGwire, the portion of the interstate highway was named Mark Twain Highway. McKenna told the KMOX news that honor should not be given to people who stained the game of baseball. “We shouldn’t honor somebody who left a black mark on the game of baseball. Especially in a baseball town,” said the Senator.

The admission of McGwire came after he was hired as a hitting coach of the St Louis Cardinal. For Senator McKenna, the admission of the slugger has only firmed his decision to removed McGwire’s name in the highway. “When he came out (that he’d been juicing), it kind of solidified that I needed to rectify what I thought was a mistake in a bill that I had helped sponsor,” McKenna said.

The proposal which is part of a larger bill already received the approval of the Transportation Committee. The bill will also redesignate a portion of Lindbergh Boulevard in St. Louis County as “Dave Sinclair Highway” in honor of a prominent auto dealer Dave Sinclair, who died in September. It is expected that other lawmakers will give full support to this proposal.

Mark McGwire may just ignore this initiative but he must be ready for something worst if some people would push for the removal of his home run records from the books of baseball.

After years of suffering from several miscarriages, a woman from Peacehaven near Brighton, UK, successfully gave birth to her first miracle baby. Angie Baker, 33, was already thinking of adopting a child when her 18th miscarriage happened. But with the help of a friend she was referred to a doctor in Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust in Surrey. Baker’s case is exceptional since the incidence of miscarriage is so high. According to experts, women usually suffer 3 to 5 miscarriage but experiencing it 18 times is something to look at.

The DailyMail reported that the case of Baker was referred to Dr. Hassan Shehata of Epsom Hospital by a friend who read in the newspaper about the new treatment pioneered by the doctor. She was treated with the help of steroids. During the tests conducted on Baker, the doctors found out that she had a high level of a subtype of white blood cell, known as Natural Killer (NK) cells. These NK cells are responsible for protection from viruses. However, the NK cells which acts as her first line of defense against viruses and diseases also attacks the fetus. Because of aggressiveness of the NK cells they mistook the fetus as a foreign body which causes the miscarriage.

The first treatment administered by Dr. Shehata was not successful since they found out that Baker was also a diabetic. The high dosages of steroids given to Baker caused the elevation of her blood sugar thus causing another miscarriage. In an interview, Baker said that it was giving her too much emotional burden. “Emotionally it was a roller-coaster. Every time I got pregnant I was hoping this was the one and it wasn’t going to end in a miscarriage. I never gave up. I was desperate for a baby so I persevered,” she said.

Her case, according to her doctor, could happen to about 15 per cent of women. Baker’s case is special because of her other health condition. “Eighteen miscarriages is a huge number. This is the most unusual case I’ve come across. You’re more likely to win the lottery than have 18 miscarriages through bad luck. Therefore there must be an underlying cause,” Dr. Shehata said.

Dr. Shehata adjusted his dosage of steroids during the second treatment. The steroids were given before the start of conception. The doctor also adjusted her levels of insulin which help the next conception a succesful one. According to the Telegraph, Baker took one 25mg tablet of steroids a day for two weeks before conception and 12 weeks after. It costs just £20 per tablet but the lab equipment used to carry out the treatment costs around £150,000 to £200,000 and the each test costs an additional £200.

The success rate of the treatment for high NK cells is around 80%. Dr. Shehata and his fellow doctors have already treated more than 1,000 patients with a similar condition with Baker. They have conducted this procedure at their private practice and at the NHS.

After 18 miscarriages, Baker is so happy with the result. Her baby, Raiya, is now 10 weeks old. “She’s my little miracle. I can’t explain how I feel. I’m overwhelmed. It seems like a dream and I still have to pinch myself. She’s perfect in every way,” said Baker.

It has always been a challenge to the anti-doping authorities and as well as the Olympic Committee on how they would catch all cheating athletes. In every competition, an athlete’s objective is to excel and prove to other competitors that they are the best in their field of sports. However, in attaining this goal, some athletes use illegal means to enhance their performance. Sometimes trainers and coaches are also involved in doping their athletes. There were even reported cases of systematic doping where all athletes of a participating country underwent extreme training regimen with the help of banned substances.

The test for performance enhancing drugs was first used in the 1968 Olympics Games in Mexico City. International sports federations and participating nations have different drug testing requirements and procedures at that time. In 1999, the World Anti-Doping Agency was created which served as the standards setting organization for all international sports and the Olympic Games. WADA created the World Anti-Doping Code that lists the various prohibited drugs and methods. However, WADA encounters difficulty in keeping at pace with doping athletes. New designer steroids and other performance boosters were always introduced in international sports competition like the Olympics which helps the athletes get away with WADA’s doping tests.

WADA has a long list of prohibited substances. Examples of these are anabolic steroids, human growth hormones, and drugs that blocks, modulate or enhance natural hormones in the body. It also includes diuretics (which can be used to mask the use of steroids), stimulants, cannabinoids, beta blockers, narcotics, and glucocorticosteroids. More advanced method of doping were also prohibited by WADA which include blood boosting drugs that helps increase the oxygen intake of athletes and gene doping to alter gene expression in the athlete’s body.

The Winter Olympics in Canada boasts of its state-of-the-art drug testing laboratory. According to anti-doping scientists, it is the collaboration of different anti-doping agencies and uses the best equipments aimed to detect prohibited substances such as anabolic steroids and human growth hormones. However, the former BALCO founder who was famous for his undetectable designer steroids like THG or The Clear, still have some apprehension. “It still seems possible that there are designer steroids being used by Olympic caliber athletes and they are not testing positive,” said Victor Conte, BALCO founder.

Christiane Ayotte, the head of the anti-doping laboratory in Vancouver Winter Games, said that they are ready for new ways of doping used by some athletes including the use of anti-anemia drugs, micro-dosing, biological passports and new versions of testosterone. “I can tell you we are ready for some new things,” said Ayotte. They believe they can detect cheating athletes since they already have ample information and equipments to detect these drugs.

In an interview with the Canadian Press, Ayotte discussed some of the doping methods used. He said that micro dosing is gaining popularity but it is not yet clear whether it will give the athlete an increase in performance. “They take now, we know, micro dosages and they do it more frequently but at lowest concentration. And then they can mask it,” Ayotte said. He also said that the test for human growth hormone is not yet refined by the anti-doping lab but it was rarely used with other drugs. “It has to be kept in mind that GH alone has never been a very good doping agent,” Ayotte said.

When asked about the remarks of Victor Conte about the possibility of not detecting all doping athletes, Ayotte said that they are more ready now compare with the previous Olympics but agreed on the possibility. “I hate to give Victor Conte credit for anything but he was right. There are times in the season when you won’t get caught. We have to be more intelligent about our testing,” Ayotte added.

The head of the World Anti-Doping Agency confirmed that there were more than 30 athletes who failed the doping test in the current Winter Olympics in Canada. He said that the pre-competition tests returned a mixture of positives for banned substances and failure to comply with testing protocols. It is also expected that the number may increase as the winter games progresses. John Fahey, head of WADA, said that they were able to barred athletes in competing for the Beijing Olympics because of the doping tests. Athletes who will try to cheat in the Winter Olympics will also face the same fate. However, the anti-doping agency refused to name the athletes who failed in pre-competition tests. “The one thing I will declare: Athletes who seek to cheat at these games, it’s more likely they’ll be caught than in any other games in our history,” Fahey told the media during a press conference. “The approach that’s been taken around the world by national Olympic committees and anti-doping agencies (is) to ensure that they are not going to be embarrassed by having cheats represent their nation,” Fahey added.

It was noted that the athletes with positive tests came from different sports and from different countries. The anti-doping agency together with the IOC will be conducting unannounced, out-of-competition and during the competition tests on more than 2,000 athletes. The IOC also reported this week that they have conducted 554 tests since the opening of the games. 407 athletes were asked to provide urine samples while 147 were required to give blood samples. The anti-doping officials were glad that none came back positive. The athletes are tested for various performance enhancers like anabolic steroids.

Although the tests only caught a few athletes, the head of WADA still believes that they are effective in performing their duties. “I don’t try to put too much of an emphasis on how good, or how small the number is. Either way, it indicates we’re effective. It’s a number I don’t think you can ignore. That’s why I say it’s significant,” said Fahey.

David Howman, the Director General of WADA also said that their drug testing is comprehensive. “It’s a bit like before Beijing, when 70 athletes didn’t go to the Games because they had tested positive beforehand. The pre-Games testing is pretty intensive. We can say it was effective because there are some athletes who didn’t come,” said Howman.

Representatives from other countries with previous doping issues are under scrutiny in the Winter Games. This is the case of Russia where 6 of their athletes were suspended last year for using blood-boosting drugs. Jacques Rogge, International Olympic Committee president, urged Russia to improve their anti-doping policy in lieu to the doping cases of their cross-country skiers and biathletes. Although, it was already reported that the deputy leader of Russian anti-doping agency assured the Winter Olympics officials that they have conducted rigid drug tests on their athletes. Risky types of sports like biathlon, skiing, skating were subjected to more than 5 tests. Players of the National Hockey League who will compete in the winter games were already under WADA’s supervision since last year. The NHL doping policy is not yet fully compliant with the WADA Code.

Fahey is optimistic that their efforts to clean the sports with performance enhancing drugs will be successful as more anti-doping agencies of participating countries, government agencies, law enforcement agencies and including pharmaceutical companies are cooperating. “We’re getting better. The weaponry that’s being used is far more effective,” said Fahey. “There was a time when the thought was ‘if you blanket test everybody, then you’ll pick up some.’ Now, with the sharing of information, they’re able to target test. Makes us far more effective,” the WADA head added. An independent panel headed by Scott Burns, a former White House Deputy will monitor the drug testing procedures in the Winter Olympics and will collaborate with the International Olympic Committee on the progress of anti-doping tests.

A dog breeder was questioned in court for importing classified and banned substances from Australia. The man who lives in #33 St Stephen’s Park, Castle Island, Ireland allegedly imported different kinds of drugs for his dog to keep it healthy. Based on court records, Dan O’Sullivan purchased anabolic steroids, performance enhancers and pain reducing drug which according to according to authorities violates certain laws. Experts say that the drugs could be used for more than 10 canines but O’Sullivan has only one.

O’Sullivan’s lawyer defended his client that the purpose of the importation was solely intended for his dogs and not for other purposes like selling them to other clients. Based on the report of kerryman.ie, the defendant purchased the drugs through the internet and arranged the delivery by postal services. However, when the parcel was delivered to the defendant’s home, there was nobody who could receive it which caused its return to the postal office. The customs also notified the Department of Agriculture about the package since it contains animal remedies. When O’Sullivan claimed the package at the post office, he was apprehended by the authorities and told about the violation.

According to Department of Agriculture officer Noel Kelly, the package contains injections of Stanazol, L Carnitine, Vitamin C and Mitachondral. He added that the Mitochondral, which is used to reduce pain, is prohibited in Ireland. Another DA officer, Caroline Garvey, a veterinary surgeon, explained in court how these drugs can be used in animals. Garvey said that both the L Carnitine and Vitamin C injections are commonly used as performance enhancers for racing animals. Anabolic steroid Stanozolol is not a drug prescribed by veterinarians. Mitachondral injection, on the other hand, has opium like effects when injected. It reduces the sensation of pain in an animal, which according to the surgeon will help them continue to perform even when injured.

Pat Mann, the defense lawyer of O’Sullivan told the court that his client researched for these drugs on the internet and in magazines and found out that these are freely available in other countries. In the statement of O’Sullivan, the drugs will be used to keep them healthy, keep the blood okay, make them feel good, keep the dog in good shape and give them an appetite. “He learned the system from magazines and the internet and as a dog owner it is his sole intention to make sure the animal is adequately and solely protected in every way,” added Mann. He also said that the defendant has no intention of violating any law since he did not hide the products and cooperated with the authorities. “He saw these items on the internet and did not hide any of it when asked, and he regrets that he now finds himself in this position. He now only has one greyhound which he hopes he may be able to breed,” Mann said.

The court handed O’Sullivan with a guilty decision. Judge James O’Connor ruled that the defendant is in possession of the drugs Stanazol, L Carnitine, Vitamin C and Mitachondral without having veterinary product authorization. He also imposed a fine of €300 and an additional € 1,000 for litigation costs. The judge also warned O’Sullivan that if he faced another similar charges in the future, he will be given a jail term.

Proud of his clean record in the court, Juan Dixon testified in a congressional hearing in 2005 how he maintained a clean regimen and shunned the use of any performance enhancing drugs. The young player told the panel that he and other NBA players had succeeded through hard work and dedication to their dreams and not through the use of steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs. Juan Dixon is the nephew of former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon.

But after 5 years, his statements may become futile when the news broke out that he tested positive for an anabolic steroid nandrolone while playing for Spanish team Unicaja. Dixon was suspended indefinitely by the Switzerland-based International Basketball Federation. His suspension was caused by a positive test for nandrolone during a test conducted in Greece late last year. According to the Unicaja website, the suspension is indefinite until further notice. They also clarified that Dixon’s steroid test was taken while he was still playing in Greece and not with the Spanish team.

The International Basketball Federation refused to comment on the issue. They have not responded to queries by several media organizations who want to gather more information on the case. Juan Dixon, who is still in Malaga, Spain, is also silent on his suspension. But his wife is quick in defending the former NBA Player. In an interview by the Baltimore Sun, Robyn Dixon said that the positive test could be due to an over the counter supplement. She even made some researches to prove that his husband could be a victim of supplements tainted with steroids.

Robyn Dixon told Baltimore Sun that Juan could be taking an over the counter supplement and had no idea it had any type of steroid in it. “It’s not like he was injecting steroids,” said Robyn. “Playing seven years in the NBA and not having this issue, you don’t think there’s a problem with any of this stuff that’s sold over the counter,” she added. According to her wife, Juan typically will go into GNC and see something and say, ‘I’ll try this.’ If the former Maryland basketball star purchase supplements, it is probably something that would help repair his muscles.

Robyn, who is currently residing in Silver Spring with their two young children, said that she has been doing researches on other athletes who were also tested positive for nandrolone. She believes that there are supplements which can trigger a positive test for steroids. She even quoted an article from a sports website discussing how to avoid a positive nandrolone test when taking supplements. 19-norandrostenedione which is present in some supplements can trigger a positive Nandrolone test. It is chemically related to androstenedione or andro. This substance is commonly banned by major sports organizations.

Dixon played in the NBA for the Washington Wizards, Portland Trail Blazers, Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons. He also aimed to be part of the Atlanta Hawks but he was not absorbed by the team. He may not produce good stats in the professional league but his amateur record made him a star in Maryland. He led his Terrapins team to the NCAA championship in 2002.

Dixon’s fate in the Spanish team will be determined by the retesting of his urine sample next week.