Another country that is also plagued by the use of performance enhancing drugs is India. Sports authorities in this country are already enraged about the increasing number of professional athletes caught using anabolic steroids. In the 2010 Commonwealth Games, the national anti doping agency caught several athletes mostly in the weightlifting sport who were taking banned substances.

Just recently, the NADA announced that at least 5 young weightlifters were handed provisional suspension because of a failed steroid test. The Anti-doping Agency criticized the Weightlifting Federation of India for its failure to police their athletes. The agency said these weightlifters participated in the National Youth Championships held at Yamunanagar, Haryana in January.

The names of the athletes were withheld while the testing for the B sample is still on going. Initial reports revealed that 4 of the weightlifters used anabolic steroids while the other one used a stimulant which is also prohibited in the sport.

The Weightlifting Federation of India, through its secretary general Sahdev Yadav, told the media that they were also saddened by the number of weightlifters caught using banned substances. “We will take strict action against the offenders. We will ban the weightlifter, coach and the state that he comes from, if found guilty,” he said. The federation is already taking the burden because of the violations committed by its athletes. The WFI have to pay the International Weightlifting Federation huge fine to allow their athletes play in the Commonwealth Games.

The National Anti-Doping Agency also noted that the use of steroids is becoming common to weightlifters. The India Railway championship held in December last year returned 8 steroid positive weightlifters. “We are shocked at the sudden spurt in positive dope cases in such a short span of time,” NADA director general Rahul Bhatnagar told the Times of India. “We have written to WFI, saying the increasing number of dope cases is worrisome and that they have to put an end to the menace,” he added.

Ped’s use is also creeping into the paralympic competitions. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) published on its website the suspension given to an Indian Powerlifter due to a positive test for anabolic steroids. Powerlifter Virender Singh was suspended for 3 years because of anti-doping rule violation.

The IPC said that Mr. Virender had an adverse analytical finding for methandienone metabolites and 19-norandrostenedione. Methandienone is commonly known as Dianabol or D-Bol while 19-norandrostenedione is popular as Andro or prohormone. These substances are all prohibited in the World-Anti Doping Code where the IPC is also a member.

The urine sample was taken from the powerlifter during an out-of-competition test in the 2010 Asian Para Games Guangzhou, China. Mr Virender did not contest the result and said he does not have the “therapeutic use exemption” which can lift the suspension. The date of the suspension was December 14, 2010, the date the sample was taken. The powerlifter will forfeit all medals, points and prizes won starting from that date. Virender will also miss the 2012 London Paralympic Games.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is the governing body for the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games. According to its website, the organization is committed to enabling Paralympic athletes to achieve sporting excellence and to developing sport opportunities for all persons with a disability from the beginner to elite level. They also adhere and promote good values which include courage, determination, inspiration and equality.

The major league and baseball players should not worry once Jose Canseco released his 3rd book. He told the Daily News that it will not name baseball players using steroids or the steroid issues in the major league. Instead, the book will focus on his experience after divulging the rampant use of performance enhancing drugs in baseball. And for those people who might be wondering what would be title of the book, the baseball slugger had already one in mind- “The Truth Hurts.”

Why the Title?

Canseco added that this title accurately describes what happened to his life after his revelations. “It’s completely accurate, of course. I only write books that depict truthful things.” The former Oakland slugger plans to self-publish the book and hopes it would become a number 1 bestseller.

After his revelations, Canseco was hated by the sports that he loved. Up to now, he can’t return to the major league and no offer has been made by any team even if he begs for another chance. At the age of 46, Canseco can still show his prowess. He can still hit home runs during his short stint in the minor league.

Other Steroid Books

The first two books of Canseco “Juiced (2005) and “Vindicated” (2008) were all about the steroid problem in the league. Some of the names mentioned in those steroid books were Mark McGwire, Alex Rodriguez, who was forced to admit his use of performance enhancing drug, and Rafael Palmeiro. Canseco is considered as the Godfather of Steroids in baseball and those books have been significant in helping the league clean its field with steroid users. But it also ruined the reputation and careers of some MLB players.

Canseco claimed that the league black labeled him because of his damaging testimonies in a Congressional investigation. It ended his career in baseball and he had suffered financial woes. Canseco told the Daily News that his decision during that time had caused his life to be miserable. This will be detailed in his upcoming book “The Truth Hurts.” “(The new book) kind of states how people view me, what’s happened to me financially, how telling the truth has damaged me completely; how powerful Major League Baseball really is,” he said.

A-Rod Challenge

The former baseball player is also an active user of the popular social networking site Twitter. And his latest tweet is drawing the attention of some baseball fans. Canseco challenge Alex Rodriguez to a home run match. “Alex Rodriguez is a great player but he still cannot match my bat speed I would beat him in a home run competition any day.”

Canseco claims that A-Rod knows the latter can’t beat him. “He knows what I can do. I can hit a softball further than he can hit a baseball. And I’m completely steroid-free. I’m 46, but I still feel like I’m 25. I’m breaking records in softball. I still have the fastest bat speed in the world,” he said.

To make it more appealing, the money generated from that match will go to charity. This could again draw support from charitable organizations in the country. Canseco usually participate in celebrity matches for some non profit organizations.

Will Alex Rodriguez accept this challenge? Here’s what Canseco says about A-Rod. “Alex Rodriguez if you are listening to not back away from this challenge … I will understand if you back away from this challenge because you are use to backing away from the truth and not commenting on it.”

After more than two years of legal battle, the NFL players fighting for their 4-game suspension may finally concede because the Court of Appeals ruled in favor the league. The Minnesota Court of Appeals upheld the decision of the NFL to suspend Minnesota Vikings Pat and Kevin Williams and three others because they violated the anti-doping rules of the league. The decision states that the banned diuretic found on their system does not fall under the state’s workplace drug-testing laws.

The involved NFL players were given 4-game suspension in 2008 for testing positive for the banned substance bumetanide. The substance, though not a steroid, can mask the use of performance enhancing drugs. Players claimed that they do not know the substance is present in a supplement they were taking at that time. The StarCaps, an over-the-counter weight loss supplement popular among football players contain the banned ingredient bumetanide but it was not disclosed in the label.

When Pat and Kevin Williams brought this issue to the court, the 4-game suspension was withheld. The seesaw battle has taken both parties to legal victories and defeat. But the recent decision of the appeals court could now end the argument whether the league violated the Minnesota laws or the players should be responsible for whatever substance that they ingest.

The suspension could be handed down by the league soon but their spokesperson did not confirm it yet. “We are pleased that the Minnesota Court of Appeals, like all other federal & state courts to hear the matter, has unanimously upheld the structure & operation of the NFL’s collectively bargained Policy on Steroids & Related Substances,” said NFL spokesman Greg Aiello through his Twitter account.

Aiello emphasized that their policies are in accordance with state laws but clarified that they have not reach a final decision yet on the StarCaps case. “Today’s opinion confirms the testing program did not violate Minnesota state law & vindicates the policy & procedures of the program. We are in the process of reviewing the decision and determining our next steps,” he said.

An excerpt of the 11-page decision published by online news agencies revealed that the diuretic bumetanide is not included in the list of controlled substances in Minnesota’s Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace Act. Anabolic steroids is included in the controlled list but the players were not caught using any steroid. The delayed notice given to Pat and Kevin Williams did not violate the state law which requires the organization to notify its employees about a positive drug test within 3 days.

According to Judge Francis Connolly, their holding is limited to the specific facts of the case and should not be read to excuse the NFL from complying with [state law] when applicable. “For example, had [the Williamses'] initial screening tests been positive for anabolic steroids, subsequent confirmatory tests would be subject to [state law],” said the judge.

However, some of the players may still bring the case to the Supreme Court. Angelo Wright, agent of Pat Williams, told the Star Tribune that they are not ruling out bringing the case to higher court. “We’ll weigh all our options, and we’ll make whatever the most effective decision is to keep him playing,” Wright said.

Of the five players involved in the Starcaps case, only three could possibly receive the suspension. They are Minnesota Vikings DTs Pat Williams and Kevin Williams, and Saints DE Will Smith.

Federal authorities investigating a multi-state steroid distribution ring, which started fours years ago, has again claimed another victory. A former dentist from Cape Coral, Fla. recently pleaded guilty to 3 counts of illegal distribution of steroids and human growth hormone. Dr. James M. D’Amico was accused making illegal prescriptions of performance enhancing drugs to patients he had never met. It was also revealed that he continued prescribing steroids for more than 2 years even if his license was revoked. Health experts also questioned D’Amico’s prescription of HGH because he is a dentist.

The prescriptions were filled by at least two Florida pharmacies, Signature Pharmacy in Orlando and PowerMedica in Deerfield Beach. Owners of these pharmacies were also charged by the federal authorities. PowerMedica owner already pleaded guilty while Signature Pharmacy owners are still fighting for their case in court.

D’Amico was able to prescribe steroids and HGH worth thousands of dollars to various clients including professional athletes and celebrities. He was also paid by PowerMedica to make prescriptions for their clients. Based on business records obtained by the Times Union, some of the D’Amico’s “patients” include several major league players like former major league pitcher Paul Byrd, outfielder Jose Guillen and former five-time All Star third baseman Matt Williams. They were all prescribed with steroids and human growth hormones.

Records also showed the name of journeyman pitcher Ismael Valdez who purchased at least $11,300 worth of steroids in 2002.

And another loyal client of D’Amico is the owner of Orange County Choppers and a celebrity. Paul Teutul, 61 became popular in the reality show “American Chopper.” Records showed that Teutul received at least 73 prescriptions from Aug. 2, 2002 to Oct. 3, 2006. The steroids and human growth hormones Teutul allegedly purchased totaled $51,784.78. The prescriptions were filled by the Palm Beach Rejuvenation Center in Florida.

According to the Times Union, 11 prescriptions for human growth hormones were made by D’Amico. These were shipped to a New York address. Paul Teutul declined to comment when asked about the alleged purchases and his relationship with D’Amico. However, the business records obtained by the Times Union revealed Teutul’s birth date, Social Security number, telephone numbers, and three addresses including the former address of his motorcycle factory in Montgomery, Orange County.

The use of human growth hormone as an anti-aging formula is now popular in the country. In fact, almost all anti-aging clinics offer HGH as one of their products. With Teutul’s age, the use of human growth hormone is possible. Different types of steroids were also (allegedly) prescribed and purchased by Teutul like testosterone, nandrolone, and stanozolol. These are the common steroids used by bodybuilders.

Another doctor from the Palm Beach Rejuvenation also wrote prescriptions for Teutul. He pleaded guilty to a felony charge but was given a lighter sentence because of his cooperation in the investigation. The doctor was sanctioned by Florida’s Department of Health but can still continue practicing his medical profession.

D’Amico, on the other hand, is facing a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison with fines of up to $1 million. The sentencing is scheduled on April 22.

Though Brian Cushing already served the 4-game suspension for failing an anti-doping test, there are still some people who are not convinced on his alibi. Cushing maintained his position that he never ingested steroids and pointed instead on the “overtrained athlete syndrome.” The Rookie of the Year said that the elevated levels of HCG found in his system could be due to a condition called the “overtrained athlete syndrome.” The NFL rejected his claim even if the team owner requested for reconsideration for the 4-game suspension.

And the latest NFL player who shared his “expert opinion” on this case is the former linebacker Bill Romanowski. In his interview at the Houston’s Sports Talk Radio with Matt Jackson and Adam Wexler, Romanowski believes that the failed test is really a result of ingesting a substance banned by the league. “I know an awful lot about the ingredient (HCG), I call it an ingredient,” Romanowski told Jackson and Wexler. “But it was a drug that he took, and if it had anything to do with overtraining syndrome, whatever that is, I would have failed every single drug test I ever took in my life,” added Romanowski.

Some health experts were also skeptical about the claims of Cushing because of limited available clinical information about the syndrome. How about Romanowski’s statement? Should we believe him that Cushing is not telling the truth about his failed anti-doping test?

The former linebacker is well acquainted with supplements. In the report of the Houston Examiner, Romanowski was described as a supplement junkie. In fact, he was one of the few NFL players who admitted taking anabolic steroids and human growth hormone. He is also one of the professional athletes who used THG, a designer steroids produced by the Bay Area Laboratory Cooperative (BALCO) managed by Victor Conte. The THG or commonly known as the clear was not included in the banned substances of the league during that time.

The linebacker, who is also holding a record in the NFL for playing 243 consecutive games, said in the interview that Cushing should have accepted his mistake. “I’m not here to call people liars or anything like that, I’m really not,” he said. “I’m here to call things how I see it and to be honest and in my heart of hearts, I wish Brian would have come out and said (that he) messed up and made a mistake.”

Players who were caught by the league for taking banned substances should blame themselves. Taking supplements is not evitable but they have to be very careful on what kind of supplements they are ingesting. According to Romanowski, he never took a supplement with ingredients found in the league’s list of banned substances. He considers it as his bible.

Bill Romanowski is a two-time Pro Bowler and owner of four Super Bowl rings. He played in the pro football league for more than 16 years. Right now, the linebacker established his own supplements company, the Nutrition53.

Police officers seized various types of steroids from a resident of Portsmouth, NH in July 2010 but the charges were only filed recently. According to the report of SeaCoast Online, authorities filed 9 felony charges against the suspect six months after the controlled substances were found in his home. The steroid test results were only released by the state crime laboratory January 18 of this year.

Authorities did not provide any information why it took them so long before releasing the test results. The possible cause of the delay could be due to the different scope of investigation by the police and the steroids were only found when they searched the suspect’s home.

Cullen Mutrie, 28, of 517 Post Road, Greenland was only arrested January 19 and was released on his own recognizance by posting $10,000 bail. He is scheduled for arraignment on February 8 in Portsmouth District Court. The respondent was already implicated in another case in 2007 where he was charge for assaulting another person.

The police were searching Mutrie’s home for reports that the suspect is in possession of guns. His plea deal in the 2007 case prohibits him carrying and possessing guns. Mutrie has at least two guns based on the information gathered by the police. However, when the police officers searched a coffee table, they found a scale and a plastic bag containing vials filled with unknown substances.

After the lab results, it turned out that the vials contain different types of steroids. Based on court records, the steroids found in Mutrie’s home were trenbolone acetate, testosterone cypionate, and nandrolone decanote. These anabolic steroids are controlled substances and you can only have these with valid prescriptions. Manufacturing and selling of steroids are also prohibited.

In Mutrie’s 2007 case, he pleaded guilty to assault charges but was allowed to take back the guilty plea. He originally agreed to a guilty plea on misdemeanor charges and sentenced to 2 days jail term in the Rockingham County House of Corrections. However, Mutrie withdraws the plea because he alleged that he misunderstood the advice of his lawyer. He also added that the conviction will prevent him become a firefighter. In 2009, he agreed to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct. The court required him to perform community service and have to complete an anger management program.

Meanwhile, a former state trooper in Texas pleaded guilty to three counts of delivery of a controlled substance. The case led to a mistrial when one of the jury declared that she finds Jeff Jerman guilty even before the trial starts. Jerman was caught selling $800 worth of steroids to an undercover police officer in 2009. The charges against Jerman caused his separation from duty.

According to his lawyer, the former state trooper will be sentenced on March 11. The maximum sentence could reach up to two years in jail with a maximum fine of $10,000. But the guilty plea will reduce the sanction. Jerman is also facing another federal charge of conspiring to distribute anabolic steroids. The trial is scheduled on Feb. 28 in a U.S. District Court in San Antonio.