Chile’s top cyclist Marco Arriagada admitted to the media that he was one of the three riders who were reported having a failed steroid test but vowed to clear his name. The sample was taken during the Vuelta A Chile last month where he defeated his closest rival Gonzalo Andres Garrido Zenteno. The Chilean Cycling Federation also confirmed that there were riders caught using banned substances in the competition. The sports organization did not provide the names of these riders but Arriagada became vocal on his alleged positive test.

Arriagada’s career in cycling is flourishing and the issue of using performance enhancing drug will just put his achievements in vain. He recently won the Tour de San Luis beating Jose Serpa. Taking the victory in Tour de San Luis is not that easy because of other veteran cyclists who participated in the event like Xavier Tondo and Ivan Basso. The 35-year old cyclist also finished third in Vuelta Independencia Nacional.

While he was in the Dominican Republic, Arriagada told the media that he will address the issue immediately. He categorically denies that he was involved in doping. “I deny it emphatically. The Federation told me the news and now I have to discuss it with my lawyers,” said the pro cyclist. Arriagada is already back in Chile and is expected to clear his name by subjecting himself to tests to prove his innocence.

While the confirmatory test is still on going, the Chilean Cycling Federation have not issued detailed information about the type of steroid or other PED’s found in Arriagada’s sample. Anti-doping officials usually found traces of EPO in doping cyclists. This anabolic steroid helps increase the levels of oxygen in the blood which is beneficial for cyclists. EPO was also allegedly used by Lance Armstrong and his team when they competed in international competitions.

In the previous months, Tour de France champion Alberto Contador tested positive for Clenbuterol. The Spanish Cycling federation cleared the cyclist by accepting his argument that he ingested meat contaminated with steroid. Now, the WADA and UCI are planning to appeal the case.

Arriagada has an impressive record in the sport of cycling. He won the Tour of Chile three times and holds the national time-trial record for four times. He is also a veteran Olympian where he represented his country in 1996, 2004 and 2008 Olympics. And not to mention his world championship medals.

It is not yet clear what will be the strategy of Marco Arriagada in disputing the positive steroid test. Would he be using the same alibi used by Contador? Is there a possibility that the Chilean Cycling Federation will adopt the decision of the Spain’s cycling authorities?

If found guilty of doping, Marco Arriagada will face a maximum ban of two years.

Popular rapper 50 Cent accused the pound for pound king as a steroid user in his recent tweets. It may just be another PR campaign for 50 Cent because he is launching a new movie with business partner Floyd Mayweather Jr. With the waning support and popularity of Floyd Jr., somebody has to rescue him. The number 2 pound for pound boxer, (who may lose his ranking if he will not fight this year) was involved in several legal battles recently. And his incomprehensible tactic is perceived by boxing fans as a way of eluding the mega fight of the century.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. and his camp started to make accusations against Manny Pacquiao when promoters began to initiate talks for their possible match up. They ask for an Olympic style blood testing and demands for higher percentage in the fight purse. On the second round of the negotiation, Manny Pacquiao agreed on the Olympic style blood testing to prove that he is not on steroids but Floyd Mayweather Jr. never responded.

The Mayweathers took turns in lambasting the credibility and reputation of the pound for pound king. Mayweather Sr. and his uncle Roger issued statements that Pacquiao is taking something illegal, steroids. They believe that the speed and strength of the “Pacman” is the result of taking performance enhancing drugs. However, up to now, they have not presented any evidence proving Pacquiao is on steroids. In an effort to show Floyd Jr. is still interested in fighting Pacquaio, his uncle Jeff told the media recently that they are amenable to new negotiations but wants the fight to be held in South Africa. Some boxing analysts see this as another tactic to derail the negotiations since promoters may find it difficult to find sponsors for the fight.

50 Cent became a popular rapper when he was discovered by Eminem. His type of music puts him on the top of the music industry. He is now a film producer, actor and entrepreneur. The rapper, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, was also a former amateur boxer. He is now a business partner of Floyd Mayweather Jr.  in a movie production business.

Some people see this action of 50 Cent as an attempt to change the perception of the people that his friend is afraid to fight the 8 division world boxing champion. If Floyd will be defeated in that match, it will be his first loss in his professional career. Jackson defended his friend saying that Pacquiao only fights boxers who were already defeated by Floyd. “Pacquiao makes money in the US and take it to his country and feed his people. Floyd Mayweather makes money in the US and feed the homeless,” said 50 Cent.

50 Cent has 4 million plus followers in Twitter. His tweets were picked up by many boxing fans around the world and have drawn different reactions. The rapper called the Pacman as steroid Pacquiao in his tweets. “There is 3 ways to beat Steroid Pacquiao he has been knocked out twice and lost a decision I stand behind my country USA all day. If anybody that’s following me think that Steroid Pacquiao with 3 losses can beat are 41-0 American champ @ FloydMayweather stop following me,” he said. He also criticized Pacquiao for not taking the blood test. “If Charlie Scheen can take a test I know Manny Pacquiao punk ass could take a blood test.”

Rick Rockwell of the Examiner has something to say on this latest tirade on Pacquiao. “If Floyd Mayweather Jr is the representation of America then we are in serious trouble. A man who has a long history of criminal activities like beating women and assaulting security guards should not be held in such a high regard.” Online sources also revealed that 50 Cent was involved in drug dealing when he was a teenager.

“Additionally, if 50 Cent and the Mayweathers continue to bring up Manny’s early losses when he was still a teenager then Floyd’s losses when he was a teenager should be brought to light as well,” added Rockwell.

The next big fight of the 8 division world boxing champion is on May 7. The Manny Pacquiao vs. Shane Mosley fight will be held at MGM Grand Las Vegas, Nevada.

There are only a few celebrities who can talk about their use of drugs whether recreational or performance enhancing. Most of them tried to hide this from the public because it can ruin their career. But those celebrities caught by the authorities, they don’t have any option but to accept the repercussions of their actions. On the other hand, there are also some celebrities who want to help themselves by seeking professional help to counter their addiction. And a reality TV show offers this treatment without requiring them to spend a dime.

In the latest season of the “Celebrity Rehab“, a group of celebrities will be submitting themselves to a treatment that will be viewed by the public. A former Baywatch buddy will be one of the casts of this reality show. Jeremy Jackson, who played as the son of David Hasselhof in Baywatch, will try to renew himself with the help of Dr Drew Pinsky of “Celebrity Rehab.”

According to online sources, Jackson became addicted to human growth hormone (HGH) and testosterone when he tried to stop meth addiction. The Baywatch star is a fitness enthusiast but he feels that his obsession to stay fit could harm his health already. TMZ reported that people close to Jackson told them the actor is addicted to hormone injections.

Jackson is also taking several supplements according to TMZ sources. The actor is also injecting himself with vitamin B12. Steroid users take this vitamin to counter the effects of some steroids.

It is common to people engaged in bodybuilding to turn to supplements and image enhancing drugs such as anabolic steroids. It helps them achieve better physique in a short period of time but there are some cases where abuse of these drugs becomes a concern. An increase in the dosage could put them in danger. A recent research in the US revealed that people who are into bodybuilding usually take a combination of human growth hormones and anabolic steroids to speed up the bulking effects on their body.

While some people criticize the methods being used by Dr Drew Pinsky, celebrities are still encouraged to take the challenge. Aside from staying in the limelight, they are also being paid for participating in the rehab. Dr Pinsky and his medical team works with the stars at the Pasadena Recovery Center in Pasadena, California where the real-life experiences of celebrity patients undergoing detoxification and treatment were caught on cam.

The VH1 site said that the show will help the viewers understand the process of rehabilitation which is usually misunderstood. “An often raw and unflinching look at the many faces of addiction, Dr. Drew shows us that rehab is not a glamorous spa vacation for celebrities as portrayed in the media but a profound life changing process that offers hope for a better life,” the company explained on its website.

The latest season of the “Celebrity Rehab” will be aired this month on VH1. The cast includes Michael Lohan, the father of Lindsay Lohan; Michaele Salahi, alumnus of the The Real Housewives of Washington DC; Amy Fisher, “Long Island Lolita”; Bai Ling, actress; and Jeremy Jackson. The show is already on its 5th season.

MMA fans were not surprised when UFC middleweight fighter Chael Sonnen sent a letter to matchmaker Joe Silva challenging Michael Bisping for a fight after the latter’s controversial win over Jorge Rivera. However, Sonnen can’t just return to the octagon and fight any fighter that he wants to brawl with. He still needs to re-apply for a license after he was suspended by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) for testing positive for steroids.

Sonnen was originally sanctioned with a 1-year suspension after the UCLA Olympic drug-testing lab found in his A and B samples an elevated level of steroid after his fight against Anderson Silva. The fighter appealed the case and successfully convinced the CSAC about his medical condition. Sonnen argued that he was under Testosterone Replacement Therapy. But the main problem was he did not filed for exemption and failed to follow protocols. He was just lucky that the board reduced the suspension to 6 months but the monetary penalty still remains.

According to CSAC, the suspension on Chael Sonnen ended March 3 and can fight again in California provided he complies with the requirements. George Dodd, the chief commissioner of CSAC told MMA Fighting that Sonnen should appear before the commission if he wants to fight in the state. “If Mr. Sonnen wants to be licensed here in California, he will have to appear before the commission to regain his license. Every other state will have to make a determination on their process for licensing [him],” said Dodd.

The career of the MMA fighter-politician-realtor is marred by controversies and legal turmoil. He gave up his political endeavor last year and was involved in a realty scam. He recently pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering which can lead to 2 years probation. Sonnen also agreed to pay $10,000 fine and forfeit his Realtor’s license.

Sonnen likes to be in the limelight. His recent email to UFC matchmaker Joe Silva is an example of how the former middleweight contender captures the attention of the media and the MMA fans. Though he might have a tainted reputation, a challenge like this can influence the UFC to give in. This could help promote the match up. Let’s just wait if UFC president Dana White will give Sonnen a dramatic comeback.

The supposed rematch between Sonnen and Silva was cancelled because of the steroid suspension. Instead, the middleweight champion fought Vitor Belfort at UFC 126 last February 5 in Las Vegas. Silva won the match.

Meanwhile, Michael Bisping defeated Jorge Rivera in the second round at the UFC 127 held in Sydney, Australia. Bisping’s win over Rivera caught the attention of Sonnen. Bisping used an illegal knee in the first round which then led to the defeat of the “El Conquistador.” But winning the match did not stop Bisping in showing his anger against his rival. He yelled at Rivera’s face and spat at the corner men of Rivera after the conclusion of the fight.

Here’s a quote of the email sent by Sonnen as published in Fighters.com.

“If you get a chance to talk with him, please mention to your idiot-in-residence Michael Spitsbing it’ll be a little tougher to knee ME in the head when I’m charging at him like a runaway train and mincing him through the fence like a boiled potato, should we ever have the pleasure of each other’s company for a few (VERY few) moments in the Octagon.

Oh; and I’d suggest to him being a little careful about spitting on any of MY cornermen, since any one of them can beat him up as badly as I can. Thanks ever so much.
Hope all is well.

-Chael Sonnen”

Michael Bisping’s reaction to this email is something that everybody wants to know soon. A match up between Chael Sonnen vs. Michael Bisping will definitely become a sure hit.

In a very brief hearing on Tuesday, Barry Bonds pled not guilty for the fourth time on the steroid perjury charges. The court required Bonds to take another plea after the prosecutors reduced the number of charges filed against him. Judge Susan Illston also warned Greg Anderson, who was also present in the hearing, that he could face contempt if he continue to refuse testifying in court. Anderson is Bonds’ former personal trainer and allegedly gave the baseball slugger designer steroids.

Anderson’s lawyer told the judge that his client will not testify. Judge Illston said that the testimony of Anderson could spare other baseball players from giving testimonies. Some of the players who will be presented by the prosecution include Jason Giambi, Armando Rios, Benito Santiago, Bobby Estalella, and Marvin Benard. The judge required Anderson’s presence when the jury selection begins.

Anderson is Crucial in the Case

Many believe, including some law experts, that the testimony of Greg Anderson is the missing link in the perjury case of Barry Bonds. His testimony will put an end to the long legal battle of the government to convict the home run king. Anderson already served a jail term for his refusal to testify against his friend and he is willing to do that again. If this happens, the prosecution will just rely on other witnesses and evidences which can be easily refuted by the defense.

Evidences Not Sufficient

The defense team is not giving up because they know how to attack the prosecution’s arguments. An analysis of Michael McCann, a sports law professor in Vermont Law School, Mississippi College School of Law and Yale Law School, offered a clear insight on what will happen when the trial begins in March 27. Below are some of McCann’s assessments of the case.

Taped Conversation of Anderson and Hoskins

The judge allowed portion of the tape conversation of Anderson and Hoskins to be used as evidence. Anderson allegedly confided to Hoskins in 2003 that he gave Bonds with the designer steroid “The Clear” or also known as THT tetrahydrogestrinone. According to McCann, the defense could simply attack the quality and authenticity of the tape. The truthfulness and accuracy of the statements of Anderson and Hoskins will be questioned.

The defense could argue that even if Anderson provided the baseball slugger with “the Clear“, it does not mean Bonds used it. Another scenario that could be brought by Bonds’ lawyers is even if Bonds used the designer steroid, he may not have known what he was using since Anderson gave him several supplements.

“If Bonds’ attorneys persuasively make such an argument, a jury would likely then conclude that Bonds may have used the Clear, but not knowingly lied when telling a grand jury that he did not use steroids,” said McCann. They could also argue that the clear was not banned by the Major League Baseball at that time. Moreover, the product in question was not classified as an illegal steroid by the federal government when it was allegedly used by Bonds.

Other Witnesses

Kimberly Bell will also testify in court. The defense will definitely question the motive and objectivity of Bonds’ former girlfriend. Bell will talk about the changes he observed on Bonds when he started using steroids. The doctor of Bonds, Dr Arthur Ting is also included in the list of witnesses. The defense will try to discredit the impressions of the doctor regarding the alleged steroids use of the baseball slugger. They could use the past disciplinary action imposed on Ting by the Medical Board of California

Other baseball players who will be called in the witness stand have no direct knowledge of Bonds’ alleged doping.

James Irvin, a former UFC fighter, still wants to prove his worth by fighting in other promotions. He had a not so good career in 2010 where he suffered a series of losses. Irvin’s last fight was the Tachi Palace Fights 7: “Deck the Halls” in December where he succumbs to a first-round submission loss against Jorge Oliveira.

James Irvin is supposed to fight Houston Alexander in Shark Fights 14 to be held on March 11 at Fair Park Coliseum in Lubbock, Texas. This is an interesting rematch but the announcement of California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) about the positive steroid test of Irvin halted Shark Fights promoter to continue the fight. Irvin and Alexander first fought at UFC Fight Night 13 in April 2008 where Alexander was knocked down after the first 8 seconds of the bout.

According to Shark Fights president Brent Medley, the possible replacement for the co-main event is still under negotiation. He told an MMA site that the Alexander vs. Irvin rematch will be rescheduled in the near future. Houston Alexander was also reported suffering from injury during his training for this match up.

CSAC already confirmed that Irvin tested positive for Epitrenbolone. This is commonly known as Trenbolone metabolite, an injectable steroid. The drug is typically used in livestock but it becomes popular among bodybuilders and professional athletes because it helps increase appetite and aid in muscle growth. This is usually used by athletes in contact sports where weight and strength is very important. The sample was taken from the December fight of Irvin against Oliviera.

CSAC Executive Director George Dodd told MMAJunkie that the light heavyweight fighter will be retroactively suspended beginning from December 3 and will be fined for the violation. Though Irvin can still appeal the suspension, promoters would not want to have fighters with steroid problems. “The use of certain substances, including anabolic steroids, is prohibited under the commission’s regulations,” Dodd told MMAJunkie. “Our primary concern is for the health and safety of fighters. Anabolic agents and other banned substances put not only the users of those agents at risk, but their opponents as well. The commission simply will not tolerate their use,” Dodd added.

Before CSAC’s confirmation of the positive steroid test for trenbolone, Irvin fought in January 29 at the “Gladiators Challenge: Young Guns 4″ held at Elko Indian Colony Gymnasium in Elko, Nevada. Though he might have won the fight against Mike Crisman, officials declared it a no-contest because Irvin threw an illegal knee to an already downed opponent.

Meanwhile, the main event in the Shark Fights 14 will be between UFC middleweight veteran Matt Horwich and Danillo Villefort.