Finally, the long wait is over. The perjury trial of one of the best pitchers in the major league baseball started. Roger Clemens, the seven-time Cy Young awardee with 354 games won in 23 seasons and with an impressive 4,672 strikeouts, was charged with lying to Congress when he vehemently denied that he ever used steroids or HGH. His case is now being heard at a US District Court in Washington.

Steroids Found in Evidences

After giving jury the final instructions, Judge Reggie Walton allowed the defense and the prosecution to give their opening statements on Wednesday. As expected, the prosecution started with a strong assertion that they have evidences that proves Clemens really used steroids. Assistant US Attorney Steven Durham said in the opening statement that they found traces of anabolic steroids from the syringes and gauze pads provided by the state witness Brian McNamee.

The former trainer of Clemens contends that those syringes were used to inject Clemens with steroids and HGH. He alleged that the steroid injections were made in several occasions in 1998, 2000 and 2001.

Evidence Contain Clemens’ DNA

The prosecution also told the jury that those evidences contain Clemens’ DNA. A proof that it really belongs to the pitcher. However, the defense downplays these claims. One of their arguments is the possible contamination of these evidences because it was hidden in a basement or it might be tampered by McNamee.

Rusty Hardin, Clemens’ lead counsel, told the jury that his client did not used performance enhancing drugs during his baseball career. “There will be people who will testify from every stage of his career — high school, Boston, Toronto and Houston — who all say they have never seen any professional (athlete) work like this man did,” said Hardin.

No Credible Source to Connect Clemens to Steroid Use

Hardin contends that there is no credible source to connect Clemens to steroids or HGH use since August 2001. The government’s main source of information is Brian McNamee whose credibility is being questioned by the defense. The defense already unearthed a sexual assault issue against McNamee where he lied to investigators.

There were also many instances where McNamee allegedly gave conflicting statements to federal investigators conducting enquiry on the rampant use of steroids in baseball. Hardin added that if Clemens used steroid to prolong his career, why would he stop. Clemens retired from the sports in 2007.

Clemens Saw McNamee Injected Debbie with HGH

The prosecution also opened the case of Roger Clemens’ wife who was also involved in the use of steroids. McNamee said that he also injected Debbie Clemens with human growth hormone and Roger had full knowledge of it. The HGH allegedly came from Kirk Radomski, the former New York Mets clubhouse attendant, who pleaded guilty for distributing anabolic steroids to professional players. The steroids and HGH that McNamee injected on Roger Clemens also came from Radomski according to the trainer’s account.

On the other hand, Hardin argued that Debbie will tell a different story when she takes the witness stand.

The first set of government witnesses called to testifies were FBI special agent John Longmire, former house parliamentarian Charles Johnson, and Phil Barnett, a House staffer.

Many boxing analysts agree that if Manny Pacquiao will subscribe to the demands of Floyd Mayweather Jr., the fight of the century will happen. Although the challenger should not be dictating what will be the conditions for a boxing match, taking the test will put the issue to an end.

Pacquiao has been hounded for so long with the steroid issue because of the continued insinuation from the Mayweather camp. While Floyd Jr recently showed a softer stand on the steroid allegation, he still demands that every fighter including Pacquiao must take the Olympic style testing.

Last year, Pacquiao’s negotiators agreed to random steroid testing but demanded for a window period before the actual fight. Critics were not happy with this set-up because they contend the fighter could still get away with the anti-doping test. There are steroids and other performance enhancing drugs that leave the system fast. HGH for example can only be detected within 1 or 2 days.

Boxing Writers Push Pacquiao to Take the Test

Pacquiao fans have been accusing Mayweather of evading the 8 world division champion. Floyd Jr. uses the steroid test as an excuse because he is so afraid to blemish his zero-loss record. On the other hand, Floyd’s fans continue to believe that Pacquiao is taking something to enhance his performance. Brad Cooney of 8Count News wrote that the random testing for steroids will solve this dilemma. “Taking the random blood test up until the day of the fight will do a few things,” said Cooney. If Pacquiao agrees, Floyd will be forced to a corner and he has no more cards to play said Cooney.

Taking the test will also silence his critics. “If Manny Pacquiao was to take his own Olympic style drug testing and pass, then he would be able to show the whole world and any doubters that he isn’t taking steroids and that it was Floyd Mayweather who was holding up the fight,” said Hougigo Martin of Bleacher Report.

If Pacquiao passes the steroid test it would at least ease the minds of the general public and people who were one the fence on whether Pacquiao is taking steroids said Martin.

Pacquiao Agreed to Olympic Style Steroid Testing

It’s like an answered prayer for boxing fans around the world. Pacquiao now agrees to Olympic Style steroid testing. According to boxing promoter Bob Arum, the Filipino boxing superstar now agreed to the random steroid testing as long as it is done by a neutral organization. “We have agreed in the Pacquiao camp to unlimited random testing done by a responsible, neutral organization,” Arum told the ESPN.

But there is one condition. They don’t want USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) to administer the test instead they prefer the Olympic Organization to oversee the testing together with the state athletic commission. “We don’t believe USADA is a neutral organization,” said Arum. It can be recalled that Mayweather wants USADA to test fighters. For Arum, the Olympic organization offers vigorous testing than any other anti-doping agency.

Mayweather Needs to Fight Pacquiao

Now, this leaves Floyd Mayweather Jr. with no other option but to fight Pacquaio. Arum said that if Floyd agrees on these terms, a Mayweather vs. Pacquiao super fight will happen next year.

The boxing icons are now busy preparing for their fights this year. Manny Pacquiao is scheduled to face, for the third time, Juan Manuel Marquez on November 12. Floyd Mayweather Jr. is also fighting Victor Ortiz on September 17.

Let’s just hope that Floyd Jr. will not make another excuse in fighting Pacquiao.

If you think that doping is only common in men, you’re wrong. Women professional athletes are also joining the list of athletes involved in doping. Just recently, two women soccer players from North Korea failed the anti-doping test of FIFA in the Women’s World Cup. Defenders Song Jun-sun and Jong Pok-sim were provisionally suspended before their match against Colombia. The North Koreans lost that match and eliminated from the World Cup.

The North Korean team created a stir when their coach claimed that their loss against the United States was due to an unfortunate incident happened to the entire team. It was reported that at least 8 of the team members were hit by a lightning during a practice. Most of them were hospitalized but they still manage to play in the Women’s World Cup.

Entire North Korea Women’s Team Subjected to Steroid Testing

The two positive tests for anabolic steroids prompted the FIFA to subject the entire team to steroid testing. Under the FIFA rules, the governing body will require the entire team to undergo drug testing if there are two or more doping players caught taking banned substances. According to the chief medical officer of FIFA, the result of the tests of 19 North Koreans are still pending. Moreover, the “B samples” of the two defenders, who were earlier returned a positive test for anabolic steroids, were sent to a laboratory accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for confirmatory tests.

Host Germany Criticized the Incident

The president of the German Football Federation (DFB) Theo Zwanziger became critical on the North Korean women team. Zwanziger told the media that the country may have a hand in the taking of anabolic steroids of its players. “This incident underlines the impression of the inhumane system in North Korea where attempts are made to give athletes success by any means possible,” Zwanziger said. The DFB President also commended the FIFA for its effective testing methods which is a good thing in fighting doping in football. Germany is the host country in the 2011 Women’s World Cup.

IOC Wants to Review Anti-Doping Measures in North Korea

The positive tests of two soccer players from the North Korean team caught the attention of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Arne Ljungqvist, the Chairman of the IOC medical commission, said during an IOC meeting in Durban, South Africa that he wants to review how the North Koreans implements its anti-doping policies.

However, Ljungqvist admits that it would be difficult for them to do such thing because of the type of government in North Korea. “I understand the mistrust of others, but I do not really know much about doping controls in this country, which has a closed society like no other in the world,” Ljungqvist told the AFP.

Soccer players who were caught using anabolic steroids in the Women’s World Cup reached to three. Colombian goalkeeper Yineth Varon also failed an out-of-competition test in Leverkusen last June. The types of steroids found on these women athletes were not yet disclosed to the public. The least sanction the FIFA can impose on these players is a two-year ban.

Little do we know that testosterone, the male sex hormone, plays much bigger role than what is usually believed. It is needed by the body for the proper development of men’s sexual characteristics. Testosterone is responsible for maintaining muscle bulk, bone density, sufficient levels of red blood cells, sexual and reproductive function and overall sense of well-being. Normal level of testosterone in the body is very essential for both men’s physical and physiological well-being. Adequate testosterone in the body reduces the possibility of acquiring heart ailments and high blood pressure.

The male testosterone level is normally at its peak when men are in their 20’s or 30’s. However, male’s testosterone level gradually falls down each year as man ages. This is then the start wherein most men start experiencing various aging problems. The growing discomforts and heath issues of aging men are basically indication of testosterone deficiency. In order to maintain a good health condition it is very important to have an adequate level of testosterone in the body.

What is Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

Testosterone deficiency among men can now be addressed by Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Testosterone Replacement Therapy or TRT is basically a procedure that helps men set their testosterone level to normal. It is now being considered as a solution to rejuvenate and renew bodily functions that was weakened when the testosterone level decreased. Undergoing Testosterone Replacement Therapy can give great benefits if done for the right purpose.

The TRT Procedure and Benefits

In general, testosterone replacement therapy is a treatment that is administered by medical professionals to men found to have testosterone deficiency. Improved sexual functions and increased energy levels are amongst the top benefits of this hormone therapy. Testosterone replacement therapy also aids in reduction of fatigue and tension which greatly improves disposition that positively results in being calm and improved wellness. Therapy for testosterone deficiency helps in improving physical appearance by increasing muscle bulk, body mass and bone strength. It further improves mental functions which really show that testosterone replacement therapy surely brings ample benefits for men.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Sports

With all the benefits men could get in Testosterone Replacement Therapy it has been subjected to abuse especially by professional athletes. TRT is becoming popular among professional athletes. Most of them apply for therapeutic use exemption through the recommendation of a medical doctor. Testosterone is an anabolic steroid approved by the FDA for medical use but remained as a banned substance in sports.

Cases of TRT use in Pro Sports

There had been several cases of testosterone use in professional sports. And some athletes use the TUE to avoid violating the anti-doping policies. An example is the case of UFC fighter Chael Sonnen who lost his license because of testosterone use. He contends that he was under TRT. Former UFC fighter Nate Marquardt also was under testosterone replacement therapy. Although he applied for therapeutic use exemption his testosterone was beyond the normal level before the fight which leads to his suspension and termination from the UFC.

TRT Athletes Gain Competitive Advantage

In actual fight scenario, professional athletes who went under Testosterone Replacement Therapy may gain certain advantage against its competitor who did not use such anabolic steroid. In the competitive world of sports, use of anabolic steroids and other kinds of performance enhancing drugs had been a perennial problem of sports organizations. Testosterone Replacement Therapy although assumed as a legal treatment for conditions such as hypogonadism are also subjected to illegal use by professional athletes who are willing to go beyond the necessary means to excel.

The B sample of India’s women track and field athletes returned positive for anabolic steroids. The confirmatory test will definitely result to an automatic two-year ban. The National Dope Testing Laboratory found in their samples different types of steroids such as stanozolol, methandionone or epimethandiol.

Track and Field Athletes Insist They are Innocent

However, two of the top runners insist that they are innocent and asked sports officials to test their vitamin supplements. Mandeep Kaur and Joana Murmu alleged that those vitamins could be the cause of their failed test.

Another track athlete, Ashwini Akkunji, said their coaches recommended supplements from over the counter when SAI runs out of stocks. Yuri Ogorodnik also admitted in a media interview about his role in gaining access to food supplements from nearby supplement stores in the Patiala training center. “SAI protein and vitamin supplements are insufficient. So we bought those from a chemist in Patiala which might be contaminated,” he said.

Akkunji told the India Express that they took the supplements since May 10. A Ginseng based supplement allegedly came from the Ukrainian coach and the other supplements were recommended by other coaches at the camp. She said that they bought these supplements off the shelf. The Ginseng based supplement was manufactured in China and Korea while the other supplement came from Bulgaria. Akkunji said that these products were not the official supplements of the Sports Authority of India.

SAI Officials and Coaches Liable

As more information about the steroid scandal unfolds, it becomes clear that the SAI and coaches should also take the blame for the positive test of their top athletes. According to Akkunji, their supplements were not replenished since the Asian Games in China last year. “So we had to buy products off the shelf, recommended by our coaches, which wasn’t the case earlier,” she said.

Akkunji wants these supplements tested to prove their innocence. “Unless these are tested, we won’t be able to prove our innocence. We don’t have a recovery expert. Who will educate us on what these supplements contain?” said Akkunji.

Though the Sports Ministry already fired two officials from SAI and other officials in the Training camp, the reputation of the country in the field of sports has already been damaged. They also terminated the Ukrainian coach and other coaches were under investigation for their possible involvement in the fiasco.

Authorities Raided Shops near Training Center

Police recently raided shops near the National Institute of Sports (NIS) where these athletes are training. The raid on at least 11 shops yielded various types of supplements and steroids. Three shops were identified selling the controlled substance anabolic steroids according to online reports. Health officials said they seized steroids like decadurapolin, decadac, and menabol. They also found at least 40 injections and 600 tablets of these drugs.

Authorities said that they will take strict action against the owners of the establishments found selling banned substances. They will also recommend the cancellation of license of these shops.

Purchase of Steroids Too Easy

Purchase of steroids in local shops in India is not difficult according to a local newspaper. Professional athletes can easily purchase one if they wanted to. A test purchase conducted by Tribune India showed that anybody even without a prescription can purchase anabolic steroids from local health stores.

The Tribune team was able to purchase various types of steroids like Danazol, Menabolol, testosterone, nandrolone injections, stanozolol, and growth hormones without presenting any prescriptions.

After a six-month investigation, New Jersey’s attorney general comes up with new measures to curtail the abuse of anabolic steroids by several law enforcement officers in the state. An investigative report by a local newspaper last year prompted the state to investigate the rampant use of steroids by police officers and firefighters. It was estimated that at least 248 officers obtained illegal prescriptions for steroids and HGH from a Jersey City doctor. It was also found out that these police officers used their health benefits to pay for these steroids.

In the previous months, lawmakers in New Jersey filed several bills to address the problem. One of the stalwart proponents of the new bills is Rep John McKeon. If these proposals are approved, the state will be the first in the country to implement an anti-doping policy aimed at law enforcement officers. Currently, most state and other organizations focus on the abuse of steroids by professional athletes.

New Policies will Deter Officers to Use Steroids

New Jersey Attorney General Paula Dow told the media that reforms and new measures will be implemented in New Jersey law enforcement agencies. “It is important that we strengthen oversight, regulation and investigation in order to discourage the improper use of steroids throughout New Jersey’s law enforcement community and ensure the public’s confidence,” Dow said.

She said the revisions of existing policies will give police department new powers to test officers who are suspected of using steroids. The new measures will also allow them to investigate doctors who might be involved in the illegal prescriptions of performance enhancing drugs.

Dow also recommended a more stringent supervision of the state-funded health benefits program. Millions were spent by the state for these illegal prescriptions of steroids and hgh. “The cost is borne not just by taxpayers, but in the erosion of faith people have in those who protect and serve. This is unacceptable,” she said.

Police Chiefs Supports New Measures

While the implementation of these new measures will still depend on each department, the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police is confident that all will follow the recommendations. William Nally, the president of the association, told the media that police departments across the state will include random steroid testing in their regular drug testing program. “I’m sure as soon as the policy is revised, almost every police department that’s involved in drug testing will incorporate this into their policies,” said Nally.

Although the cost is still a major factor in the inclusion of steroid tests, random testing of some officers every six months will suffice. The cost of regular drug test is $35 while a steroid test cost around $250.

Police Unions in New Jersey are also supportive of the random steroid testing. The spokesperson of New Jersey Police Benevolent Association told Reuters that they don’t want any law enforcement officer taking illegally prescribed drugs.

Random Testing for Steroids Important Alternative

Members of the investigating panel believed that their recommendations will have a strong deterring effect on law enforcement officers. Since the state is already implementing the prescription monitoring program, it will now discourage doctors to prescribe steroids and human growth hormone if it is not medically needed. Prosecutor Camelia Valdes, a member of the panel, said it will force hard core users to purchase from the black market which will make it easier for the prosecutors file criminal charges.

Even if the coverage of steroid testing is not department wide, they still consider it as the best alternative in curtailing the abuse of steroids in the law enforcement. Prosecutor Joseph Bocchini said that this measure is a win-win solution. “There’s a genuine feeling that the image of law enforcement is as important as the job they do, so if this is something that will bring comfort to the public, then it’s good for law enforcement, and it’s good for the public,” said Bocchini.