The Rex Ryan era in New York has not even begun and he already has to deal with a little controversy. Calvin Pace, one of his starting linebackers, has been suspended for the first four games of the regular season for using a banned substance, which has yet to be identified.

“Calvin Pace of the New York Jets has been suspended without pay for the team’s first four regular-season games of 2009 for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances,” said an NFL spokesperson. “Pace’s suspension begins on Saturday, September 5. He is eligible to return to the Jets’ active roster on Monday, October 5 following the team’s October 4 game against the New Orleans Saints. Pace is eligible to participate in all preseason practices and games.”

Pace, who joined the Jets last year after signing as a free agent from Arizona, said in a statement, “This is a situation that resulted from an over-the-counter dietary supplement that contained a substance that I did not know violated the League’s policy. I am responsible for what I put into my body and I should have paid closer attention to the League’s guidelines. I regret that this has happened and apologize to my teammates, the entire Jets organization as well as the fans. Hopefully, this does not distract from our ultimate goal of winning the Super Bowl.”

The Jets stated that they respected the league’s decision and look forward to Pace’s return once the suspension is served.

This may open the door for Vernon Gholston to get some quality playing time. After being selected sixth overall in the 2008 NFL Draft, he was a complete bust and fell into former head coach Eric Mangini’s doghouse. The second-year outside rushing linebacker, who already was getting a fresh start with Ryan, may benefit the most out of this.

The NFL has a long list of banned substances, which is in their “Policy on Anabolic Steroids and Related Substances.” If you have an hour or two to kill, here it is:

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/BODYBUILDERS_FLEE?SITE=WILAC&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

However, the more important aspect of this is not that what would have been an interesting competition was interrupted before it could get started but that this may set a precedent for future bodybuilding contests. Will the anti-doping officials on a crusade to clean up everything from baseball clubhouses to the vitamin store shelves, it seems to be only a matter of time before professional bodybuilding is in their cross hairs.

What would be the result if doping officials showed up backstage at the Arnold Classic or Mr. Olympia? It would send shockwaves through the entire industry and change it forever – for good and bad. In the eyes of anyone not directly associated with the sport, it would seem to be a step in the right direction and the first hurdle in cleaning up one of the “tainted” areas of athletics.

But the other side of the argument would be that it would destroy bodybuilding as we know it and in effect take down a multi-billion dollar supplement industry in the long run. Over regulating by the multi agencies has been the case of late and they have been going after every facet of the fitness world – and not just illegal substances such as anabolic steroids.

That is what makes this Dutch “raid” such a farce. What exactly were they looking to prove? It wasn’t as if they solved the crime of the century by having bodybuilders choose to not submit to a drug screening.

I hope they were happy with themselves.

After being contacted by Michael Coover and invited on the Brian Webber and Derek Deese show this Sunday, I gladly accepted, firmly standing by what I wrote right here:

(http://www.musclesportmag.com/2009/02/15/fox-sports-radio-pair-the-epitome-of-steroid-ignorance/)

The hosts had some fun leading up to the segment and doubted that a discussion of this type can be cordial. Quite the contrary, I felt as if all parties did a good job in stating their opinions properly. Webber called it an “intelligent exchange” and that I made an “articulate argument.”

In the end, it seemed as if the three of us “agreed to disagree,” but I must also point out that the argument  I made did have some scientific backing while Webber and Deese’s platform mostly relied on speculation and the old “I’ll guess we’ll never know for sure because they (the three names in question) are not here to tell us” argument.

I plainly stated that I was not being “pro steroid,” but rather “pro fact,” and that our responsibilities as journalists should take precedent over any opinions that we may harbor.

It has been stated time and time again that Alzado died from brain lymphoma, a rare form of cancer. As stated in the ESPN Classic SportsCentury episode on the former NFL player, “there is no medical link between steroids and brain lymphoma.” What I did point out to the Fox hosts was that if Alzado already had cancer, the use of human growth hormone (and not steroids – which I tried to point out were two different things) could have enhanced the size of the tumor.

When the Benoit case was brought up by Webber, I echoed what had been reported all along – that the so-called ‘roid rage’ being blamed for his actions, in all likelihood, could not have occurred over three days. Of course, the few minutes that we were on the air couldn’t allow for in-depth reading, but if time allowed I would have quoted Sports Illustrated Senior Investigative Reporter Luis Fernando Llosa, who said on CNN, “It probably wasn’t roid rage. I mean, roid rage is specific and impulsive.”

Benoit’s own father Michael allowed for neuropathological tests on his deceased son’s brain, which revealed extensive signs of Chronic Trauma Encephalopathy (CTE), which could have caused or contributed to his actions.

Caminiti, the former NL MVP, died from a drug overdose ( as his official autopsy proved) and his previous steroid use during his playing career could not have contributed to his death. This was not discussed much in comparison to the other two names.

As far as the hosts interpreting my original article as accusing Deese, a former NFL offensive lineman, of using PEDs, I pointed out to him on the air that he was reading into it too much. I clearly stated “not making any accusations” and meant exactly that. Unfortunately, after I was off the air, Webber and Deese again stated that I did make an accusation. Added Webber, “It’s the old ‘with all due respect’- then you punch somone in the ‘nads.”

My intentions were not to be slandering in any way but merely trying to point out that as a former NFL player in an era where steroids were used, he may have more knowledge on the subject than his radio partner, which he apparently did when we continued discussing the subject.

Deese staunchly denied ever using steroids and I have no problem believing him. When I posed to him if he knew of  any teammates that may have been using, he did not deny that, only stating that he never actually witnessed someone using in the locker room. “If I had any idea – that’s a different story,” said Deese. “Maybe I heard of people that had done it.”

While we were on the subject of today’s athletes being bigger and stronger and why, Deese pointed out that the reason is due to the training being better. I responded by stating that pertains more to baseball players than football players, who have always trained with weights while their baseball brethren only recently have been encouraged to do so.

While I tried to bring reported proof to back up my claims (or to put it better, dispute theirs), they seemed to keep it at a comfort level to merely dismiss them by relying on the shallow theory that steroids ‘had’ to be the culprit. “I think it’s absurd to say with any certainty that steroids were not a factor with Alzado, Caminiti and Benoit,” said Webber.

“You can’t,” Deese added. “To me that’s crazy. It just doesn’t make any sense.”

Yes, it does and I am not the only one who believes it. The medical profession has backed up the facts in all three cases.

This invitation from the Fox crew came as a result of an article written by Pietaro that appeared on MuscleSport Mag back on February 15.

(http://www.musclesportmag.com/2009/02/15/fox-sports-radio-pair-the-epitome-of-steroid-ignorance/)

What was requested by Fox was Pietaro, representing MuscleSport Mag, to appear on the show to engage in a “lively debate” on the two host’s steroid knowledge, which was questioned in the previous article. At that time, they were discussing the Alex Rodriguez situation and Webber mistakenly stated that the use of anabolic steroids caused the deaths of Lyle Alzado, Ken Caminiti and Chris Benoit.

As has been proven and stated time and time again, that cannot be further from the truth. Alzado died of a brain tumor; Caminiti – who was three years removed from his playing days and for all intents and purposes a stoned cold junkie – overdosed from a combination of cocaine and opiates; and Benoit was being treated for a mental disorder, was suffering from previous head injuries that caused dimentia and it has been reported that the rumored “roid rage” could not have been the case with the crimes occurring over a three-day period.

Regardless if you are pro or con as far as steroids go, having the facts straight and being responsible in doing so as a journalist is the least to expect when you listen to the radio, watch television, or read a newspaper, magazine or website. That is not too much to ask for and the staff at MuscleSport Mag – if you agree with us or not – have always brought a level of honesty and integrity to our website and radio show.

Like it or not, athletes have been looking for an advantage since the original Olympic games in Ancient Greece. Since the 1950s, one of those advantages has been steroids and the use of performance-enhancing drugs has been a part of the sports landscape ever since.

Of course, bodybuilding has been synonymous with steroids and the use of them has been a fairly obvious fact since the 1970s. Yes, there are ‘natural’ competitions, but for the most part you cannot gain the type of muscle mass needed to win without using steroids. Let’s not lose sight of that and also understand that the sport has gone to different heights because of it.

The Mr. Olympia contest went from a small show held at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in 1965 to an entire weekend full of everything Las Vegas has to offer. The competitors have gone from muscular to humongous and have graduated from only using steroids to implementing human growth hormone and insulin into their programs.

The late Ben Weider tried for years to get bodybuilding into the Olympics and even came close, but the International Olympic Committee because of the stringent drug testing consistently shot down the idea involved.

Instead of running away from the subject and looking foolish trying to deny it, bodybuilding has simply plodded along and doesn’t seem to be any worse for wear because of it.

All the while, baseball players have spent more time testifying in front of grand juries and Congress and speaking to investigators and the media about steroids than they have taking cuts during batting practice.

Getting back to the games is what the fans want to see instead of federal investigations. So far, it seems like bodybuilders are the only athletes not affected by all of this nonsense negative attention.

Who would have ever guessed that?

According to a report on the Sports Illustrated website, “four sources have independently told” SI that “Rodriguez’s name appears on a list of 104 players who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in Major League Baseball’s ’03 survey testing.”

The previously stated anonymous testing was conducted after MLB and the Player’s Association agreed to it as a reference source if random drug testing would be necessary the following year.

The report further stated that Rodriguez told an SI reporter on Thursday that he was not saying anything about it and that the scribe would “have to talk to the union.” Subsequent attempts to receive a statement from Donald Fehr, the union executive director, were met with negative results.

When the test was given, Rodriguez was a member of the Texas Rangers and won both the American League Most Valuable Player Award and the home run title (47) that summer. During that offseason, he was dealt to the Yankees. Rodriguez tested positive for two types of steroids – testosterone and Primobolan, which is also known as methenolone.  

The list of player’s names that tested positive has been exposed as a result of a seizure by federal agents at a Long Beach, California lab that was one of two that performed the testing. They were investigating 10 player’s links to BALCO.

Due to more than five percent of players testing positive during the anonymous period, MLB instituted a mandatory testing program with penalties in 2004.

Photo by Joe Perricone

While working as a clubhouse attendant for the New York Mets (1986-95), he supplied not one, but two urine samples for cokehead pitcher Dwight Gooden. Looked at as a sure future Hall of Famer earlier in his career, ‘Doc’ took the wrong road and failed three drug tests between 1987 and 1994, which subsequently resulted in him being suspended for the 1995 season.

Radomski spoke of the Gooden instances during an interview on ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” on Sunday. He also has a tell-all book coming out on Tuesday entitled “Bases Loaded.”

The ESPN report further stated that Gooden would not comment further than text messaging “LOL” after he became aware of Radomski’s account.

Since he has become a public figure, Radomski has stayed away from the media until now. He pled guilty two years ago to distributing steroids and money laundering. For his cooperation, he pled out to a sentence of five years probation and a $18,575 fine. These days, Radomski is the co-owner of an auto shop in St. James on Long Island.

And just where is this extravaganza taking place? Madison Square Garden? Las Vegas? Atlantic City? No, you have to make your way down to Aston, Pennsylvania to a ‘venue’ that is normally an ice skating rink that can hold up to 2,200. Not enough time to get there in person on Saturday night? Then you’re in luck because they also have it available as an Internet pay-per-view event (www.gofightlive.com).

The special guest referee will be Vince “Invincible” Papale, the former Philadelphia Eagle made famous by Mark Wahlberg in a feature film. He won’t have too much work to do in the three, one-minute rounds scheduled.

Both Canseco and Bonaduce have prior ring experience, albeit not all successful. Last July, Canseco was knocked out in the first round against former NFL wide receiver Vai Sikahema, who did have some boxing experience. Bonaduce, who played Danny Partridge, was somewhat more successful in a 2002 celebrity match against Barry Williams, better known as Greg Brady.

The ‘Tale of the Tape’ advantages Canseco, who stands 6’4″ and weighed in at 260 pounds, as opposed to the 5’6″, 180-pound Bonaduce.

His steroid use chronicled in two separate books, Canseco still looks the part and appears to be in good shape. Bonaduce, who was seen using steroids on his reality show “Breaking Bonaduce,” has been outspoken about the benefits from the drugs. Although he is much smaller, he does have decent size to him for a non-athlete.

Welcome to the first part of a comprehensive series that will take an in- depth look at various issues surrounding steroids and steroid use. In this on-going series we will cover such issues as liver function, thyroid function, insulin use (for non diabetic trainers), steroids and women, Clenbuterol use, testosterone esters in depth, counterfeit steroids, frequently asked questions etc. We will also take a closer look at mass building drugs, cutting drugs and anti-estrogens.

All in all, this is going to be a pretty comprehensive series! So let’s get started with a lesson in:

BASIC PHARMACOLOGY

Anabolic Steroids are derivatives of the male hormone testosterone and, as such, they exert their effects on many testosterone sensitive tissues within the body. This includes reproductive tissues, muscle, bone, hair follicles, liver, kidneys , white and red blood cells and brain. These effects fall under two classifications:

• ANABOLIC – Promoting muscle growth
• ANDROGENIC – Promoting the development of masculine characteristics

Of primary interest to the athlete of course is the anabolic effect. Testosterone is the primary hormone involved in muscle growth. Put simply, testosterone enters the inside of the muscle cell where it binds with an androgen receptor. It then continues its journey until it reaches the nucleus of the cell. On arrival at this destination the ‘dynamic duo’ turn on or off specific segments within the DNA in order to trigger muscle growth.
In addition to triggering muscle growth, anabolic steroids also prevent muscle breakdown (catabolism) by inhibiting the action of cortisol and other glucocorticoids, which are known for their catabolic effect.

CHEMISTRY

In order to exert maximum effects in the body anabolic steroids need to be chemically altered. When testosterone itself is taken orally it is swiftly broken down and eliminated by enzymes present in the intestines and the liver. In the case of steroids, a process known as 17a-alkylation has structurally altered most oral products, this protects the steroid from being destroyed by these enzymes. This 17a-alkylation, whilst good on paper, does unfortunately result in most oral drugs being harsh on the liver. It also causes negative changes in HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). The advice here would be to ensure that, whilst taking oral steroids, it is wise to include some form of liver protection e.g. Legalon available from www.maximedicine.com.

Oral anabolics are often preferred by drug-tested athletes due to their short clearing time (i.e. the amount of time they are detectable in the system).
In the case of injectable steroids, these are naturally produced androgens (testosterone, nortestosterone, boldenone) bound to a fatty acid by an ester bond at the 17-carbon. This serves, not to protect the substance against enzymes (like the 17a-alkylation) but to increase the amount of time the steroid remains in an oil globule, following injection, before it enters the circulation.

On entering the bloodstream, the fatty acid is split off by enzymes called esterazes. In the case of a long fatty acid this results in a slow release of the steroid over a course of days or weeks.

THE ESTROGEN FACTOR

Many of you will already be familiar with a process known as ‘aromatization’. This is a process by which testosterone is converted into estrogen. Most bodybuilders try to avoid estrogen conversion by taking anti-estrogen drugs such as Arimadex. Arimadex exerts its effect by neutralizing the aromatase enzyme. When you take aromatase out of the equation testosterone can no longer be converted to estrogen. This assists in the reduction of estrogen dependent fat deposition, water retention and gynecomastia (the growth of breast tissue in males).

However, before you go crazy with aromatase inhibitors and anti-estrogens (e.g. Nolvadex) do remember that too little estrogen can slow muscle growth, suppress HDL (good) cholesterol and kill sex drive. Therefore, the key to using these substances is to take them in moderation so that you blunt estrogens effects without removing it completely from your system.

IN SUMMARY

The undisputed fact of the matter is that anabolic steroids are immensely popular with not only professional and recreational athletes, but also those individuals just wishing to improve their performance and overall quality of life. Knowing how they work, how to safely use them and how to protect your health during and after use is vital not only to your success but also to your overall health. There is no denying their effectiveness but there is also no denying the side effects that can result from their abuse/misuse. It is for that reason that, here at Muscle sport, our aim is to educate rather than condemn those who decide to integrate these substances into their fitness regime. So, that said, stay tuned to this spot for much more from the ‘Steroid Insider’ over the following months.

Leigh Penman, in addition to be a staff writer at MuscleSport Mag, has been writing for bodybuilding magazines, websites and nutritional supplement companies since 1985. Whilst residing in the UK, she earned the reputation of being one of the top female writers in bodybuilding-related media. Her credits included being a contributing editor on all the magazines in production as well as filling the shoes of Ladies Editor and Showbiz Editor on two publications (the later being on Arnold’s sanctioned magazine, ‘Bodypower’). During this time she also competed successfully on four occasions (placing in the top four in all contests).

Relocating to New York in the late 1990s she focused her writing attention to crystal healing techniques and metaphysics – however, she still maintained a five day workout schedule during this time and gained her personal training certificate.

We are proud to announce that on the Tuesday, November 25 episode of MuscleSport Radio, our very special guest will be Samir Bannout, the 1983 Mr. Olympia. The show can be heard live from 3 to 4 PM Eastern time on www.blogtalkradio.com. Episodes can be heard live or via download on Blog Talk Radio, iTunes or MuscleSport Mag. On next week’s show, our special guest will be author Anthony Roberts, who has penned two important books, “Anabolic Steroids: Ultimate Research Guide,” and “Beyond Steroids.”