The standoff between the NFL and the player’s union is unlikely to be solved soon. The continued resistance of the NFL Player’s Association, as seen by critics, is just a way to get out of the previous agreement on HGH testing. The player’s union will only concede to HGh testing if the league can promise a reliable testing for human growth hormone.

Right now, the stalled implementation of the HGH testing in the NFL reached the attention of the Senate. Senator John McCain recently wrote a letter to his colleagues in the Senate to conduct a hearing on this issue. The core of his letter was focused on the continued refusal of the player’s union to submit their players on HGH tests.

HGH Testing Methods Reliable

The Senator doesn’t believe that after years of implementation of the test in other professional sports, the methods are still unreliable. McCain said that the WADA already used the methods for years and there are already a dozen of scientists who proved the efficiency of the growth hormone test. It can also send a wrong impression that the use of human growth hormone is not detrimental to the health of the players.

McCain noted that the questions of the NFL player’s union come from lawyers and not from scientists. With this concern, the senator wants to invite the World Anti-Doping Agency in a hearing to shed light on the matter. “The scientific community, both inside and outside of WADA, does not question the reliability of the hGH test. WADA cannot tell you what is really motivating the NFLPA’s reluctance to accept the hGH test, but it is certainly not science. Our interaction with the NFLPA has not involved dialog with informed scientists, but rather lawyers,” he said. McCain even described in his letter the frivolous arguments of NFLPA lawyers.

The Senator also lambasted the player’s union for not responding to the appeal of more than 2 dozen lawmakers to finally accept the previously agreed HGH testing program. “It now appears that the NFLPA may indefinitely delay testing, resulting in another season completed without fans having the confidence that the game is clean. Public doubt about the NFLPA’s commitment to ensuring that the game is played cleanly undermines consumer confidence in the entertainment product they sell.”

Questioning WADA and USADA May Affect their Credibility

Sen. McCain was also concerned on the argument of the player’s union that the methods being used by the WADA and the USADA are not reliable. Challenging these prominent and independent organizations will inflict harm to the credibility of these anti-doping agencies that have been in the forefront for clean sports. “Further, the Players Association dismissed the standing of international scientific experts who testified in an open letter to the validity and accuracy of the hGH test.”

If the public will not rely on WADA’s methods, then there is no one left to ensure clean competition and the integrity of sport said MCCain.

Congressional Inquiry Will Put the Players on a Difficult Situation

In his closing statement, Senator McCain said that there was a significant progress in the methods of testing for HGH. “By publicly challenging the scientific validity of the widely-accepted WADA test, the NFLPA may reduce public confidence that our professional sports are being played cleanly. I hope you will strongly consider convening a hearing to examine this important matter of public interest,” said the Arizona Senator.

The letter was addressed to Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), the panel’s Ranking Member. If the committee acts on this request, the NFLPA will have to face another Congressional inquiry that may just lead to a more difficult situation for the players. Though HGH is not a steroid, it is now becoming popular for its performance enhancing benefits.

A recent decision of a federal judge is considered another victory for police chiefs in New Jersey. Judge Susan Wigenton dismissed the charges against Hackensack’s chief of police and two other officials for subjecting a police officer to undergo steroid testing. The judge said that the complainant can’t sue the department officials for testing him for steroids in 2009. Chief Ken Zisa, Capt. Thomas Salcedo and Capt. Danilo Garcia could claim immunity from litigation under the federal doctrine protecting public officials from trivial lawsuits.

Police officer Joseph Al-Ayoubi sued his superiors for allegedly violating his civil rights. However, the judge noted that the department officials have the right to test him for steroids because of the evidences gathered against him. According to Judge Wigenton, reasonable suspicion is already a ground for immunity under the federal qualified immunity doctrine and recent case law. Judge Wigenton also cleared the city of Hackensack of any civil right violations.

The decision also emphasized that chief Ken Zisa can reasonably order a drug test on an officer to determine if they were using illegal or prohibited drugs. This action is not considered unlawful or in violation of clearly established laws according to the judge.

Judge’s Decision Lauded by City Officials

“The Record” reported that the city officials welcomed the decision of Judge Wigenton. Officials see it as an endorsement of the stand of the city against settling any of the lawsuits. In an interview, city manager Stephen Iacono said that they feel good about the recent decision. “I think that our direction in handling these cases has been justified,” he said adding that the city spent almost $4 million for similar cases in the past two years.

But Al-Ayoubi’s lawyer told the “The Record” that the city is not yet free from any liability. “We still maintain that their actions were illegal,” said Patrick Tuscano, lawyer of Al-Ayoubi. “More than that, factually, their actions have opened their employer, the city of Hackensack, to liability,” he added.

Internal Investigation Led to Steroid Test

The investigation conducted by the Hackensack police department was originally focused on another officer, Lt. Vincent Riotta. Through the process of investigation, Lt. Riotta provided investigators with secret recordings that led to the suspicion that Al-Ayoubi is taking anabolic steroids. Chief Ken Zisa then ordered the officer to submit to a steroid test.

The result returned positive for the anabolic steroid methandienone. But the lawyer of Al-Ayoubi argued that the latter did not take an illegal drug. The substance, he claimed, was a by-product of an over the counter supplement which is legal.

The battle between Al-Ayoubi and the Chief Zisa is not yet over. There are still other cases pending in court. Al-Ayoubi will testify against Zisa in another case on March.

Just recently, a judge also ruled in favor of the Jersey City chief of police for requiring his officers to be tested for steroids. The officers were also implicated into the use and purchase of steroids using illegal prescriptions.

Boxing is one of the sports that do not require stringent drug testing. Many critics are not satisfied with the current steroid testing program of boxing and MMA because they just rely on the State Athletic Commissions. While the commissions use the standard methods in testing athletes for performance enhancing drugs, they just do it when a match is going to happen. This is in contrast with other leagues that adopt a comprehensive anti-doping program where players can be tested even on off-season.

However, proponents for a more rigid steroid testing in boxing were able to advance their cause by convincing a promotion company. Just recently, the Golden Boy Promotion gave a nod for a third party steroid testing of their boxers. This can be considered as a great development in the sports since the boxers will submit themselves to an independent test.

Boxers to be Tested for Steroids

The welterweight rematch between Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto is not only an interesting fight to watch out for on February 11. They will be the first to undergo steroid testing under VADA procedures. VADA stands for Voluntary Anti-Doping Association. Since the program is voluntary, their submission to such stringent testing methods (as claimed by VADA) will make an impact in the world of boxing. This may force other boxers to voluntary submit themselves to VADA tests to prove that they are clean of any performance enhancing drugs. Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Shane Mosley, Amir Khan and other boxers who are accused of taking performance enhancing drugs should consider taking the VADA test to appease critics that they are not involved or using banned substances.

People Behind VADA

It was first known to the public when Victor Conte divulged some of the facts about the organization during an interview. Conte is now active in eradicating steroid use in professional sports. After serving jail time for providing professional athletes with designer steroids, Conte vowed to help the government especially the US Anti-Doping Agency to catch the cheaters. And VADA is another way to pursue his cause.

Another prominent person in the VADA is the former ringside doctor of the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) Margaret Goodman. The doctor admitted that creating this organization is not an easy task. In fact she already had this idea since 2005 but it only materialized this year. “It’s taken a long time to put this together and it’s been a daunting task. When I first started talking to people, I saw that (doping) was rampant and largely ignored by many state commissions, who do little to no testing,” said Goodman during an interview.

VADA Testing Methods are More Stringent

Goodman knows that many promoters will not be at ease with their testing program. They have a different testing procedure for steroid and human growth hormone. Proponents of VADA will use a WADA accredited testing laboratory to ensure the reliability and validity of the tests. All samples will be sent to the UCLA Olympic Analytical Laboratory.

Aside from that, they will also use an expensive method of detecting steroids in the body but is considered more reliable. Samples from volunteer boxers will be subjected to Carbon Isotope testing. This method can detect steroids or testosterone even after weeks of taking it. The current method, which is the TE ratios, can usually detect banned substances if it is taken within a few hours or days.

To detect the use of human growth hormone, VADA will check the hematocrit levels of the fighter to see if there is an abnormality. This way, they can tell if the athlete is doping or not.

After Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto, it will be interesting to know the next boxer who will submit to VADA tests.

Being a part of the Baseball Hall of Fame is not just getting a prestigious title but achieving a significant legacy that will be a part of the history. It is the greatest honor a professional baseball player can receive that would represent to the world his athletic achievements that truly embodies his greatness and inspiration.

To be considered as potential candidate of the Hall of Fame Award, athletes need to have a record of incredible sports achievement. Not only should his record be stellar, but he should meet certain criteria that demonstrate experience in excellence, significant time and contribution to the game.

But now, with a generation of steroid-using players, the selection process won’t be nearly so clear. Such is the case of Barry Bonds who is implicated for steroid use and had been recently convicted for perjury. He was sentenced for two-year probation, 250 hours of community service and a $4,000 fine. With all this controversial issue, Bonds eligibility to be part of the prestigious Hall of Fame is under heated discussions.

Steroid Use May Impede Bonds’ Hall Of Fame Award

With almost a year away from Bonds’ eligibility, controversial issues has been widely discussed and debated early as now with Bonds implications of steroid use. Bonds steroid scandal dated back in 1998 after feeling the need to get bulk to compete and get the same attention Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa was enjoying.

Prior to his steroid use, Bond had won three MVP award and 7 gold gloves. According to baseball writer Mike Silva, these achievements were good enough to be among the awardees of Baseball Hall of Fame. After his reported use of steroid for 5 years, Bonds despite losing his defense and speed had won 4 MVP Award and 1 Gold Glove.

The exemplary performance of Barry Bonds before turning to steroids was more than satisfactory to qualify him for Hall of Fame, Mike Silva concluded. He plays an overall consistent game from start to finish even without the help of steroids. An accomplishment that Bond work hard for.

Writers Viewpoint of Bonds Eligibility for Hall of Fame

Host of sports writers are citing that part of the Hall of Fame voting guidelines is the embodiment of virtues and character of the inductee. Something that Mike Silva find amusing noting that the Hall talks about character guidelines on a game that has shown so very little throughout the history.

Stringent election process includes various subcommittees and host of sports writers casting their vote to the most eligible baseball player. Voting will be based upon the player’s record, playing ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character, and contribution to the teams he played for. The criteria used were however tainted with the past choices for Hall of Fame Awardees. Personal connections and likability plus industry connections and other non-athletic considerations unjustifiably influence the votes rendering political decisions.

The Hall of Fame enshrines baseball greatness. It embodies players who gave every baseball game their best shot. For majority of fans who love the game, that’s more than enough. Baseball writers and voters should use all information available to sort through the candidacy. The 15 years of dedicated performance of Barry Bonds is now up for the writer’s votes.

Turkey’s first female Olympic gold medalist brought another doping scandal to Turkey. She tested positive for anabolic steroids this year.

The need for explosive strength in Olympic weightlifting may have pushed the international weight lifting champion, Nurcan Taylan to turn to steroids. The fast and intense range of movement of a weightlifter requires ample training, well-built muscles and body strength. Weightlifting dynamics and explosive lifts are true test to athlete’s body condition and talent. These can be attained with steroid on their side. This is one of the reasons why several professional athletes still rely on banned performance enhancing drugs.

Successful Weightlifting Career

The successful weightlifting career of Taylan started in 2002 after winning her first gold medal at the European Junior Weightlifting Championship in Warsaw. Trained by her coach Mehmet Ustundag at an early age of 11, Taylan emerge triumphant in all her weightlifting events.

Her first European title came on 2003 after soaring the highest score on her weight class. The following year, she won her second European title. She lifted two World and five Olympic records in the women’s 48 kg category at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens bragging a gold medal for Turkey.

She managed this victory at the Mediterranean Games in 2005 bringing home another gold medal. At the European Weightlifting Championship, a silver medal is once again given for her excellent performance. From 2008 to this year’s championship, the Turkish weightlifter earned European titles four years in a row, proving her excellence in her chosen sports.

Taylan Pulled Out From the World Weightlifting Championships, Out of Olympics

At the last minute of the world championship weightlifting event at Paris, Nurcan Taylan was pulled out among the list of contestants due to the positive drug test result released by the International Weightlifting Federation.

She was found to be taking steroids, a banned substance in professional competitions. Taylan’s penalty on her steroid use entails a 4-year suspension from the international weightlifting events preventing her from joining the competition next year. This will also result to her disqualification in the 2012 London Olympics.

An Appeal to the Steroid Test Result

The 28-year old Turkish weightlifter contested the decision of the IWF. The federation agreed to conduct another drug test to make certain that the first result is indeed correct. Steroid testing procedure initially includes obtaining two samples from the athletes. A second sample is ready for testing if the athlete contests the result.

The second sample was then tested at Cologne, Germany for confirmatory test. The result was again positive.

Hailed as a record-breaking champion after winning all the top honors in Olympic and European weightlifting events, Taylan really worked hard to mark her name in international sports for years. The use of steroids will be a big setback to her weightlifting career as the IWF is likely to give her punishment according to the rules of the federation.

Prior to this, Turkey’s legendary World and Olympic Weightlifting Champion Halil Mutlu was also banned from 2005 to 2007 due the use of performance enhancing drugs. Three Turkish athletes were also temporarily suspended after avoiding a drug test to be conducted by the International Weightlifting Federation back in 2005. That year, Turkey was not allowed to join the World Weightlifting Championship in Qatar. A decision that stunned the Turkish sports since most of the country’s medals in major events came from the weightlifting team.

It’s really no surprise that the union leaders are trying to block and engage in delaying tactics to avoid complying with the HGH agreement they previously agreed on.

Although it has been initially agreed by both parties under the latest collective bargaining agreement to begin human growth hormone testing, it is now being held back with the issues of validity.

Union’s Argument on HGH Test Method

The NFL Players Association had resisted the implementation of testing for human growth hormone asking for more scientific data to prove that the HGH test used by the World Anti-Doping Agency is reliable. It was also announced earlier by the union that population study should be made to determine if the threshold for a positive test is appropriate for professional football players.

It had been initially agreed by the NFL and the union during the negotiations that they will conduct an in-season testing to randomly chosen athletes. It was further agreed that HGH testing would be unannounced.

However, nearly five months after the NFL and the NFLPA agreed to conduct the human growth hormone testing to take place, the union leaders outlined a proposal before the congress to address their dispute with the league.

One-sided Proposal on HGH Testing Procedures

The union’s proposal indicates that only off season testing will be carried out. Annual testing should only include 10 percent of the players wherein a 24 hour notice before the test will be revealed to the players prior to the test date.

Players should also be given the right to decline to be tested with a condition that they will be penalized after three missed test. The proposal however does not include concerns about the validity of the test.

League Solicit Congressional Signatures to Pursue HGH Testing

The resistance of NFLPA and their demands raised significant altercation from the National Football League and the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee who initiated the start of HGH testing.

NFL is making use of a little political muscle by lobbying at the House Republicans urging congressional staffers to recommend to their bosses to sign a letter that will support the start of implementation of HGH testing this season. Brian Gaston of the Glover Park Group, a lobbyist, is hoping that the 21 members of the GOP Doc Caucus will sign.

The letter authored by Georgia Rep. Phil Gingrey, co-chairman of the doctor’s caucus and Tennessee Rep. Phil Roe, caucus vice-chair states that it is very important to prevent HGH use especially among young people. Their perspective as doctors-turned-lawyers tells them that public health policy goal is a vital thing that would help in avoiding numerous side-effects.

The member of the Congress even praised the league’s program on performance-enhancing drugs including the HGH provision according to a statement released by the NFL spokesman Greg Aiello.

The use of congressional pressure by the league is indeed a remarkable step to demand NFL players in complying with the HGH agreement. Although the congressional action would not necessary mean the passage of legislation it would eventually mandate the players to testify before the Congress. They would be imposed to swear under oath regarding HGH use.

Then again, it was the union who first sought the help of the Congress to preclude work stoppage. They requested through a letter to the lawmakers to conduct a briefing to the league together with their aides concerning the issues about the economic impact of a labor dispute.

Public hearings are yet to be scheduled in order to end this impasse. With the congressional committee being involved in the issue, this dispute is getting far from being resolved. An inclination that more is yet to come before HGH testing will be approved.