I understand you are trying to "sell" your products...but writing and telling people that other supplement companies put steroids in thier products and not on the label is really low and ignorant.
JMentis,
In my estimation, what is really low is failing to disclose banned substances in products distributed to unsuspecting consumers, not acknowledging that it occurs. It does happen, and many companies have been sued as a result. Titles & trophys relinquished as a result, while others hang in limbo, and reputations destroyed and dragged through the mud.
“Today, we have taken another important step in the ongoing effort to eliminate the use of illegal performance enhancing drugs in sports. As evidenced by today’s indictment of Mr. Arnold, who allegedly conspired to distribute anabolic steroids and misbrand drugs with the intention to defraud, we remain steadfast in our commitment to prosecuting those individuals involved in the distribution of anabolic steroids and performance enhancing drugs.” -- US Federal Attorney Kevin V. Ryan speaking on the indictment of Patrick Arnold.
Even Victor Conte admitted some athletes using his products were unaware they were taking a banned substance, and now that he's singing like a bird, the fallout in his case is going to be even more tragic than it has already been.
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/can/press/html/2005_10_18_balco_sentencing.htmTRACK AND FIELD: ATHLETES SANCTIONEDBased on positive drug testsRegina Jacobs (THG): Four-year ban, stripped of 2003 U.S. championship at 1,500 meters. When accused by USADA of testing positive for THG, the 40-year-old runner launched a legal challenge and sought arbitration outside the usual process. She lost in court and then retired, saying she wanted "to avoid being subjected to what I believe would be an unfair hearing." Her retirement abruptly halts her bid to make the 2004 Olympic team, which would have been her fifth. She competed in the 1988, 1992 and 1996 Games but fell ill in Sydney and could not compete. At 1,500 meters, she was a two-time silver medalist in the World Championships (1997, 1999) and 11-time U.S. champion (the expunged 2003 victory would have been her 12th). At 5,000 meters, she was a three-time U.S. champion.
Kevin Toth (THG, modafinil): Two-year ban, stripped of 2003 U.S. championship and fourth-place finish in the 2003 World Championships (both in shot put). Announced his retirement.
Melissa Price (THG): Two-year ban, stripped of 2003 U.S. championship and 12th-place finish in the 2003 World Championships (both in hammer throw). Also finished 12th in 2001 World Championships. Married to British shot putter Carl Myerscough, who was banned for two years after a positive test in 1999 and is banned for life from the Olympics under British rules.
John McEwen (THG, modafinil): Two-year ban, stripped of second-place finish in 2003 U.S. Championships (hammer throw).
Dwain Chambers (THG): Two-year ban, also banned for life from Olympics under British rules. British sprinter trained with Korchemny. Bronze medalist at 100 meters in 1999 World Championships and multiple medalist in World Championship relays. Fourth at 100 meters in 2000 Olympics.
Calvin Harrison (modafinil): Two-year ban, stripped of 2003 World Championship gold medal in 4x400-meter relay and second-place finish at 400 meters in 2003 U.S. Championships. Though modafinil offenses in 2003 carried lesser penalties, his ban was set at two years because he had a prior doping offense as a junior in 1993. With twin brother Alvin, gold medalist in 4x400-meter relay in 2000 Olympics, but that gold medal is in jeopardy because of Jerome Young's doping scandal, which has not been connected to BALCO.
Chryste Gaines (modafinil): Public warning, stripped of fifth-place result from 2003 U.S. Championships.
Chris Phillips (modafinil): Public warning, stripped of fifth-place finish in 110-meter hurdles at 2003 World Championships.
Eric Thomas (modafinil): Public warning, stripped of 2003 U.S. title in 400-meter hurdles.
Sandra Glover (modafinil): Public warning, stripped of third-place finish in 400-meter hurdles at 2003 U.S. Championships.
Not based on positive drug testsMichelle Collins: Four-year ban (agreed), stripped of 2003 World Indoor title at 200 meters (expected to appeal). First case without a positive test to be decided in arbitration. Initially banned for eight years, but it was reduced in an agreement in which Collins agreed to drop her appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Charged with using EPO, THG and a testosterone cream.
Alvin Harrison: Four-year ban (accepted), stripped of results dating back to Feb. 1, 2001. After seeing evidence obtained by USADA from the U.S. Senate, admitted usage of anabolic steroids, insulin, EPO, growth hormone and modafinil. Silver medalist in men's 400 meters in 2000 Olympics and member of gold-medal relay teams in 1996 and 2000. Twin brother of Calvin Harrison.
Kelli White: Two-year ban (accepted), forfeited all results dating back to December 2000, including 2003 World Championship victories at 100 and 200 meters. Tested positive for modafinil at the World Championships and vowed to fight for her medals, but the point became moot 10 months later when she accepted a ban upon seeing the evidence of steroid and EPO use obtained in the BALCO investigation. Agreed to help with further investigation, though other athletes have cast aspersions on anything she has said or will say. First ran afoul of drug testers in 2002 when she tested positive for an asthma medication that was no banned by track authorities but was illegal in France. She was banned from the country for six months but not from competition.
Tim Montgomery: Two-year ban (imposed), stripped of all results dating back to March 31, 2001, including world record in 100 meters, 2001 World Championship gold in relay and 2001 U.S. title in 100 meters. His world record had already been broken by Asafa Powell in June 2005. Though various reports claim that he admitted to steroid use in grand jury testimony and Victor Conte has claimed that he supplied him with drugs, he fought all accusations all the way to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which cut a proposed four-year ban to two years in its ruling Dec. 13, 2005. The reports of his testimony also indicate that he implicated Barry Bonds. World record-holder at 100 meters and gold medalist in 4x100 relay at 2000 Olympics. Marion Jones' boyfriend; the couple has a son born in June 2003.
Chryste Gaines: Two-year ban (imposed), stripped of all results dating back to Nov. 30, 2005. Like Montgomery, contested charges to Court of Arbitration for Sport. Previously punished for positive modafinil test with public warning, loss of fifth-place result from 2003 U.S. Championships. Two-time Olympic medalist in 4x100 relay (gold 1996, bronze 2000). Won U.S. 100-meter title in 2001 while competing for Conte's ZMA Track Club.
JMentis,
Whether you want to admit it or not, doesn't negate the fact that it does happen. It's because of incidences like these that many consumers choose to use companies they know and trust, and why some poor kids have parents who refuse to let them even take protein. I'm not on an anti-steroid rant. If someone wants to take steroids, that's their business. My concern is proper disclosure for the consumer. I don't think a person should be caused to take something unknowingly that they wouldn't take knowingly. It's about full and proper disclosure which in todays supplement industry is not as prevalent as it should be. And this relates not only to the ingredients used, but also the quality thereof.
