James F. Bogen, Esq. - Ask an Attorney Ask an Attorney Archive
Steroids and the Law II: A Little Common Sense Please
Ever since the tragic incident involving pro wrestler Chris Benoit killing himself and his family, Congress has been back on the bandwagon to hold hearings about steroid use. Never mind that the facts of the Benoit incident indicate premeditation and ritualism. The killings happened at least 12 hours apart, and they were arranged in a ritualistic manner. And after killing his family, Benoit was outside the house talking to a neighbor about how sick his family was before he went back inside and killed himself. But never mind those facts. Apparently, its more PC to say it must have been the steroids. Also never mind that there are lots of steroid users who don't do this sort of thing. In the brilliant minds of members of Congress, this must mean that their time and our taxpayer dollars need to be wasted on hearings about whether or not they should regulate pro wrestling. They seem to be completely disregarding the fact that there are already plenty of laws to regulate steroids on the books. I discussed this at length in a previous column.
For a more current example of my point, this past September Federal agents made the largest steroid bust in history. They arrested 124 people in 27 states, closing down 56 labs and seizing 532 pounds of raw steroid powder. This raid capped off an 18-month operation that was dubbed "Raw Deal." Most of the raids took place in quiet suburban neighborhoods. In one house in Westbury, N.Y., the agents found boxes of steroid powder and 800,000 doses of steroids.
In a separate probe, the Albany, N.Y., district attorney indicted more than two dozen doctors and pharmacists for running bogus prescription mills for human growth hormone (HGH). This investigation has revealed pretty widespread use of HGH in sports. St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Rick Ankiel and New England Patriots defensive back Rodney Harrison are among those who have acknowledged getting prescriptions from the main pharmacy in the Albany case.
There are other prominent examples of steroid laws at work without extra "help" from Congress. Remember the BALCO Laboratory case? And look at the charges Benoit's doctor faces now for improperly dispensing various drugs. These kinds of investigations are uncovering records of distribution to various athletes and pro wrestlers. And just look at the steroid-related trouble Barry Bonds is in now.
With all of the real problems that our federal government must deal with right now, I highly doubt that holding hearings about regulating pro wrestling or Major League Baseball should be at the top of the priority list. Whether or not someone like Barry Bonds has used steroids doesn't affect my daily life. I don't think anyone really gives a rat's behind about whether or not he used steroids. As opposed to, say, whether or not members of Congress, who make decisions that affect our country on a daily basis, may be using drugs. There are already plenty of laws on the books that can be enforced against people who are involved with the illegal distribution and possession of steroids and HGH. I would suggest to members of Congress that they let law enforcement do its job and stop wasting government time and our tax dollars on grandstanding for the media.
James Bogen is an attorney in solo practice in Cincinnati. Any questions or comments can be directed to Mr. Bogen at attorneybogen@yahoo.com.