Oct 01 2008
Tony Mandarich: “I did steroids.” No kidding.
‘The Incredible Bulk’ Comes Clean on “Inside the NFL”
Some things are better off never said. When former first round bust Tony Mandarich admitted on Showtime’s “Inside the NFL” that he used anabolic steroids, it was the equivalent of Tommy Lee saying that he smoked marijuana.
It just so happens that the ex-Packer and Colt is making the rounds promoting his autobiography, “My Dirty Little Secrets - Steroids, Alcohol and God.” Nothing like using that magic word when looking for attention.
“I used them,” said Mandarich on the weekly program. “This is the first time I ever said it. If I would have come out and said it, I think it would have affected a lot of other people that were doing the same things.”
Now in the world of glamour photography, of all professions, the former offensive lineman spoke of how he faked a urine test while at Michigan State, which allowed him to play in the Rose Bowl. He also was addicted to pain killers and alcohol.
Mandarich was the number two overall selection by Green Bay in the 1989 NFL Draft, right behind Hall of Famer Troy Aikman. He had the credentials as a first-team All-American, an Outland Award finalist and a two-time Big Ten Lineman of the Year. Draftniks were calling him the best offensive line prospect ever.
A lengthy holdout in his rookie season began his career off on the wrong foot. A bad attitude and a sub-par performance led to him being released after three years with one more left on his contract.
After disappearing for a while, Mandarich made a comeback in 1996 with Indianapolis. He played three seasons there before retiring, and actually was successful for the first time in his career.
Although Mandarich claims that he only used steroids in college (but painkillers in the NFL), it is difficult to believe that. He always dealt with the steroid rumors in Green Bay, and it is possible that he may have stopped using then, leading to his downfall. When he came back with the Colts looking buff and actually performing well, it would seem that he was using again. Mere speculation, but that seems more likely than not.
Photo credit: Sports Illustrated
