Stephany Springer

Athletes Across The Country Wait As Steroid and HGH Investigation Reaches Climax



Posted: Monday, September 24, 2007

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We have all listened as countless stories and busts have been made over the years concerning the use of HGH and anabolic steroids.

As fans, we keep our fingers crossed that our favorite player, team, etc. is not named. We fight for those who have been named to get a just punishment. As parents, we stress to our kids the dangers of the drugs and then pray every night that they don't come in contact with any or view them as a necessary evil in the world of sports in order to compete.

But now, we wait. We eagerly wait the results and the fall out of the latest Mother of All Drug Bust by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. Over the past four days, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and other federal authorities, in conjunction with nine other countries ranging from Canada to Thailand, unleashed a furious series of raids in "Operation Raw Deal." It was an 18-month effort to curb the global trade of anabolic steroids, human growth hormone and other performance-enhancing drugs.

So why is this bust such a big deal and different from previous busts?

DEA offices in New York and San Diego provided lead guidance during an investigation that resulted in 124 arrests and seizures at 56 labs across the country. Investigators also seized 71 weapons, 27 pill presses, 25 vehicles and three boats, but the coveted item was illegal drugs, and the DEA said it intercepted a staggering quantity.

So what does that mean? It means that the DEA also has the ability because of the evidence it collected to create a database. You heard me right-a database of players, people, etc. who have been using or buying steroids.

Yahoo Sports reports that not just the dealers and distributors, but everyone who purchased or received even a single shipment of some kind of performance-enhancing drug linked to this investigation in the United States in the last two years could be on this list.

Imagine what that means for MLB, NFL, NBA, etc. or even the Olympics and the future of these leagues. With just a few clicks of a button, those in charge would be able to tell if an athlete has used or bought steroids.

This bust not only has huge implications for the players, but also the suppliers. ESPN is reporting that China had a huge role in supplying the illegal drugs to the U.S. even going as far as teaching ways to get past customs.

ESPN The Magazine is set to hit the shelves this week and includes an undercover expose of how easy it is to get steroids and HGH in to the United States. Something that you would hope and Olympic host would not be so involved in.

I am curious to see the fallout of all of these arrests and evidence collected. I, like many baseball fans, will keep my fingers crossed that my favorite players are not implicated in this mess. But you never know with the abundance of these drugs. My hope is however, that maybe this will finally put an end to them as well as keep them out of the high schools and colleges across the country.

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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Steve Radford
 4 years 124 days ago.
46 fans.
Stephany, This could seriously alter the sports landscape. At age 49, I might have a shot at making the Olympic team after they disqualify all the drug users. It's good they are taking action though. Sports used to be a good activity to help prevent drug abuse. Recently it seems like the area where you hear about it most.
» left by 4 years 123 days ago.
Steve, LOL! Thanks for the comment! I agree-it is sad that sports are now having so much negative attention! Have a great week!
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