The former pound for pound king has been on a hiatus from boxing for more than a year now. But despite his absence from the sports, Floyd Mayweather Jr. is still active on the internet pounding Manny Pacquiao with performance enhancing drug issue. Floyd Jr. started the accusation in 2009 when a match-up between the two boxers was initiated by Bob Arum. Several negotiations to materialize the dream fight of boxing fans around the world were unsuccessful.

Recent Offer Rejected

Just recently, Bob Arum announced that Floyd Mayweather Jr. was offered a $65 million purse just to fight Manny Pacquiao but the Top Rank Promoter was ignored. This is the highest offer promoters could afford but Floyd Jr. already told the media before that he will only fight if the offer is $100 million.

Up to now, Floyd Jr. never admits that he is avoiding Manny Pacquiao. Aside from the fight purse, he is determined to require the current pound for pound king for an Olympic style drug testing. He also vowed that he will clean American sports with performance enhancing drugs.

State athletic commissions conduct regular steroid testing but others contend that it can’t detect all types of steroids. An Olympic style drug testing includes unannounced tests and collection of blood samples from the athlete. Previously, this was rejected by Pacquiao but he agreed in the second round of negotiation with some conditions. However, Mayweather never signed the contract.

Take the Test Campaign

In an interview with a boxing website a few weeks ago, Floyd Jr. claimed that he signed a contract related to the Pacquiao fight. According to Examiner writer Rick Rockwell, Floyd Jr. must show proof to the public to end the speculations of boxing fans. He also told the said boxing website that he will make a T-shirt aimed at his boxing rival to take the steroid test.

The “Take The Test” t-shirt (the design is already uploaded online) targets Manny Pacquiao. In the sample posted at the Boxing Examiner website, an image from the video game Pac-man was used. Though there was no specific name of an athlete, people will assume that it is referring to Manny Pacquiao who is also nicknamed the “PacMan.” Printed at the back of the shirt, “Team Mayweather 100% Natural 41-0.”

Floyd Jr. plans to sell this t-shirt on his website.

Marquez-Pacquiao Trilogy

Right now, Pacquiao is concentrating on his next fight in November and readies for a possible worldwide tour to promote the Marquez-Pacquiao Trilogy. Lawyers of Pacquiao are still silent whether they will initiate an action against the Mayweather campaign.

Meanwhile, Floyd Jr. is dealing with several cases in court including felony charges. He will also face the steroid defamation case filed against him by Manny Pacquiao. Golden Boy Promotions owner Oscar dela Hoya already issued an apology for joining the steroid allegations in the previous year. However, with the “Take the Test” campaign, we can assume that an apology is not an option for Floyd Jr.

An IT expert employed by the Queensland Police admitted that he illegally accessed the police database to know whether he is being investigated for supplying steroids. As a result of this offense, the employee was sentenced to 12 months probation by the Brisbane District court. He was also required to render 100 hours community service. Though there was no conviction recorded, this serves as a warning to law enforcement officers and employees.

Mohammed Altaaf Sharif, 25 was working then as an IT consultant in Brisbane Headquarters. Based on online reports, Sharif illegally accessed computer records several times in 2009 and 2010. His purpose is to check any record or investigation being conducted by the police against him specifically his use of steroids and steroid dealings.

Unauthorized Access on Police Criminal Database

The Q-prime is a program that contains confidential information and serves as a database for police records. It was at least accessed by Sharif eight times searching for any information that will implicate him in his illegal distribution of steroids.

The Q-Prime allows law enforcement officers to search for any criminal record including photographs, personal identification and physical features of any suspect. It also contains information on complaints, traffic incidents, intelligence submissions and Crime Stoppers files.

Defendant is Into Bodybuilding

Sharif worked in the QPS’s Information Technology section for more than 2 years and authorities only learned about his unauthorized access to the program after he was arrested for supplying steroids to his bodybuilding friends. In a tapped telephone conversation with a bodybuilding body, Sharif allegedly boasted that he was able to utilize the police system to check whether he is being investigated.

The IT employee was also into bodybuilding because he wants to have a good physique just like his father. But he is not an ordinary user because he also sold steroids to other bodybuilding enthusiasts.

On Probation for Supplying Steroids

Sharif is already serving an 18-month probation and $1000 fine after he pleaded guilty to possessing and supplying steroids last May. The recent decision of a Brisbane District Court is an addition to his previous sentence. Sharif pleaded guilty to one count of misconduct in relation to public office.

Lighter Sanction Given

According to Judge Sarah Bradley, the offense committed by Sharif was at the lower end of the scale so a lighter penalty was given to him. “The only benefit you gained was for your own peace of mind,” said the judge. The defendant also told the court that he already discontinued the use and illegal distribution of steroids.

The case of Sharif is the first in Queensland Police Service. Queensland has a strict policy on drug use on its officers including employees.

The WBC welterweight title was snatched by Victor Ortiz last April from undefeated champion Andre Berto. The fight was considered as one of the best fights of the year. However, it seems that it is not easy for Berto to accept his defeat. Just recently, he tweeted that Ortiz’ win was due to his taking of supplements which he did not identify. This is another case of a loser trying to justify his defeat by insinuating the better fighter cheated. Berto’s prowess is unquestionable but during that night, Ortiz came with a better strategy and is determined to win.

Ortiz Taking Something

The former undefeated boxer posted on his twitter account that Ortiz fought with too much energy during the fight. Even after a knockdown, Ortiz came back and inflicted Berto with a knockdown punch. “There is a reason he could take my heavy shots and keep ticking. N there is a reason why he came into the ring 165 pounds,” said Berto.

But Berto’s tweet does not end describing how powerful and prepared his foe was. He insinuated that Ortiz was taking something and he is sure it is not an ordinary vitamin. “I know people close to him and his camp and I know exactly we he was taking. It wasn’t Flintstone vitamins!!” he added.

Though Berto did not directly accused Ortiz of taking performance enhancing drugs, his statements lead to that angle. Talking about the endurance, too much energy and power of your opponent while mentioning that he is taking something leads us to think that Ortiz was using PED’s to win the match.

Just like what happened to Sugar Shane Mosley when he tweeted the bogus steroid story on Manny Pacquiao, boxing fans lashed Berto for making such comments. Ortiz also posted on his twitter account urging Berto to stop the accusation. “Berto needs to stop or I’ll have to hurt him again. Me, I guess I’m not too bad for not havin a heart or courage,” said Ortiz.

Retract Statements, Not Referring to PED’s

Knowing the consequences of his actions, Berto took an immediate defensive stance on the issue. He again posted on his social media account that he is not referring to performance enhancing drugs or steroids. “Wow why does everyone’s mind go straight to PEDs. Calm down everyone I was just talkin about Ortiz eating his spinach like popeye lolless,” Berto said.

Berto Lost Opportunity to Fight Pacquiao

Berto’s big loss to Ortiz also vanished the opportunity to fight Manny Pacquiao. Now that Ortiz has the title, he has a chance to fight the pound for pound king in spring of 2012. Top Rank promoter Bob Arum already hinted a possible match-up between Victor Ortiz and Manny Pacquiao after the Golden Boy Promotion owner Oscar dela Hoya issued an apology.

The WBC Welterweight champion Victor Ortiz needs another fight and a win this year to reinforce his bid for a Manny Pacquiao match-up. Right now, a Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez fight is set on November to end the rivalry between the two great fighters.

The MLB was bothered by reports alleging A-Rod’s supplier of steroids was spotted at a hotel where the Yankees stayed. News broke out that the cousin of Alex Rodriguez was seen at St. Regis Hotel in San Francisco after the game with Oakland A’s. A-Rod’s cousin, Yuri Sucart, was barred by the major league and the Yankees to have any direct contact with the team and in any major league facility.

In the 2009 steroid admission of Rodriguez, he named a cousin who provided him with anabolic steroids. Sucart’s wife later admitted to the media that A-Rod was referring to his husband.

Major League Informed The Yankees

The Major League vice president of player’s relations, Rob Manfred, immediately notified the Yankees about the report. Manfred told the ESPN that the team is continuously imposing the restriction against Sucart. “They agreed, that (Yuri Sucart) should not be allowed in any non-public areas; clubhouses, any team charters, buses. And it’s our understanding that that prohibition has been respected,” Manfred said.

Sucart Seen with A-Rod Even After Ban

The ban started two years ago but there were reports that Sucart was seen with A-Rod in several occasions during the Spring training and the current season. However, the restriction imposed on Sucart has limitations. The league can’t bar him in public places or prohibit him in watching Yankees games. “All we can do is control his access to areas that (MLB) or the team control. We will stay in touch with the Yankees to make sure that prohibition is being respected. A hotel lobby is a public place, there is nothing we can do,” said Manfred.

Sucart can still interact with Rodriguez provided it is not a restricted or controlled area by the Yankees or by the league. “We are comfortable that the Yankees are not allowing him access into restricted areas,” said MLB spokesman Pat Courtney.

Yankees GM Said Issue is Closed

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told the media that there is no need to conduct an investigation and considers the issue closed. “There is nothing actionable here,” he said. “It is his cousin. He is allowed to go to public areas. He is not in the Yankees’ clubhouse or on charters or in any private places that the Yankees control, like the family room,” Cashman told the New York Times.

Cashman understand why people are concerned on this report. “Alex made admissions and came forward. But Alex’s cousin will be his cousin for life,” he added. He also clarified that the contract of A-Rod does not have any terms restraining the baseball player from dealing with Sucart because it was signed before the steroid issues came public.

Sucart Provided A-Rod with Steroids from Dominican Republic

After A-Rod’s admission that he was one of the players who failed in the survey testing of the Major League in 2003, an investigation by the league was initiated. A-Rod told the league the details of his steroid use from 2001 to 2003 when he was still with the Texas Rangers. According to A-Rod, his cousin Sucart made the purchases of the steroid Boli in the Dominican Republic. He would then inject this steroid to A-Rod.

The baseball star also detailed his relationship with Dominican trainer Angel Presinal who was also banned by the league because of his link to steroid distribution.

When Sucart’s name came out in the media, his lawyer argued then that his client was used as a scapegoat. Sucart was disappointed that he was blamed for everything said the lawyer.

Many are still debating whether steroid use is really rampant in high schools. In the US, student athletes caught using steroids were very minimal which contradicts surveys showing high number of users. But anti-doping experts insist that teen steroid use is really a problem that needs immediate action. In other countries, similar problems are also encountered by government agencies and school officials. Studies in the UK and Australia shows an escalating number of youngsters involved in the use of steroids.

Driving Force in Teen Steroid Use

Health experts found out that the increasing incidents of steroid use is primarily caused by students’ aim to become physically competitive and physically attractive. Image enhancing is now becoming a culture which is not only confined to professional individuals but also on these young kids. For example, a recent study in South African schools revealed that 40% of steroid users were students who are not involved in sports but only want to improve image.

SA Dealing with the Same Problem

Steroid testing conducted at 18 top schools in South Africa showed a very high number of steroid users. Out of the 130 student athletes tested for steroids, 21 came out positive for the substance. This translates to 1 in every 6 student athlete taking steroids. The testing was commissioned by various schools in the country and the urine samples were sent to a US laboratory for analysis.

According to Drug Detection International, 12 of the students were caught in possession of steroids. There was also a case where one student’s sample returned twice the amount of testosterone level normal for his age. Majority of the athletes with failed test result came from private schools.

Parents Worried

Most of the parents are worried because their kids plunge into these performance enhancing drugs without knowing the dangers it can give to their bodies. The Times Live website reported that some of the parents discover the steroid use of their kids because of the sudden changes in their size. Parents also complain about finding steroids in their son’s belongings.

A local doctor also claims that his clinic is treating at least 12 young school boys every month from steroid addiction. Added to this, there were allegations that in some schools half of rugby players are on steroids. Abuse of steroids can lead to severe side effects that could lead to cardiovascular, liver and kidney diseases.

Steroids Not Part of Anti-Doping Policy

One reason why students and student athletes engage in the use of steroids is the absence of steroid testing in several schools in South Africa. The recent findings become an eye opener for school officials in the country to include testing for steroids in their schools. For example, a school in Cape Town tests for recreational drugs but not steroids. Meanwhile, another school is just finalizing their program against steroid use.

This report is alarming but authorities can curtail this problem by implementing stringent rules in high school sports. Other schools punish students caught using banned substances by requiring them to render community service. However, this is not enough. An intensified drug testing program that includes steroids must be implemented.

A peculiar incident in Addiewell Prison, Scotland proves that steroids distributors and users will do everything just to get their stash of anabolic steroids. They blackmailed a part time cooking instructor to smuggle steroids inside prison. Unfortunately, the cook was caught by prison guards when he tried to bring in hundreds of pills inside the prison facility.

Vito Alongi was sentenced to eight month in prison for the offense. Alongi, who is also an owner of an Italian Restaurant in the locality, worked part time in Addiewell Prison as a cooking teacher for inmates for two years already. However, inmates took advantage of his work inside the prison facility.

Steroid Package Sent by an Anonymous Person

According to his father, Vito received a package containing several unidentified pills. He was instructed to bring those pills inside the prison and put it in a bucket used for dirty clothing in the changing area. “Vito was put in this situation by an anonymous person who posted a package to him at the restaurant,” his father told the media. “He was told to take them into prison or his family would be harmed. Because Vito is a family man, he acted to defend his family,” he said.

Alongi was caught last August when prison guards became suspicious of his activity. When a prison guard conducted a search on Alongi’s trousers, they found out a package containing 226 pink tablets and an additional 120 tablets. Alongi claimed that these were “Love Hearts” sweets. Officers were not convinced and send the confiscated tablets to a laboratory for analysis. It turned out that the pills were class C drugs.

Pills Were Class C Drugs

The steroids confiscated from Alongi were methandrostenolone, oxymetholone and methyltestosterone with a total worth of £75. Alongi was charged with possessing three types of class C drugs and intent to supply a controlled substance.

The father of Vito was not happy about the length of sentence given to his son. “The only mistake Vito made was not telling us what was happening and seeking our advice. He was kind and trusting, but he was under pressure and made the wrong choice,” he told the Edinburgh Evening News. He also added that inmates took advantage of the generosity of his son.

Alongi Still Liable for His Acts

According to the prosecution, Vito knows that the package sent to him was dubious but he still kept the package. They understand that Vito is concerned about the repercussions if he report it to the authorities but what he have done is still a violation of existing laws. “He appears to have got himself into an impossible position and taken the wrong approach,” said deputy fiscal Graham Fraser.

Alongi had no previous court records and the steroid smuggling is his first brush with the law.