Lex Luthor
09-12-2007, 01:42 AM
Congress schedules hearings after WWE steroid suspensions
BY ALFONSO A. CASTILLO | alfonso.castillo@newsday.com
Concerns over the use of steroids and other illegal drugs in pro wrestling reached a climax this week as World Wrestling Entertainment suspended 11 performers for drug-policy violations and a congressional subcommittee scheduled hearings to explore the issue.
After announcing the suspension of 10 wrestlers Thursday, WWE attorney Jerry McDevitt Friday confirmed to Newsday one more suspension. Although WWE has not released any names, the suspensions came after WWE learned from Albany prosecutors that several wrestlers had received steroids and other drugs from an Internet dealer under investigation.
McDevitt said no further suspensions are expected.
Sports Illustrated reported that among the wrestlers who illegally received drugs from Signature Pharmacies were WWE headliners Randy Orton, Ken "Mr. Kennedy" Anderson, Adam "Edge" Copeland and John "Morrison" Hennigan.
Former WWE stars Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, and Brian Adams, who have all died since 2005, were also named as customers. Police say Benoit had high levels of testosterone in his system when he killed his wife, son and himself in June.
Ten of the suspensions are for 30 days. One is for 60 days, indicating it was a second violation.
WWE also said it would be changing its policy as of Nov. 1 to go public with the names of any performer who violates the drug policy.
Massapequa wrestling journalist James Guttman, webmaster for WorldWrestlingInsanity.com, said the change in WWE's policy is "the best course of action they can take."
"They do these drugs so they could look better in the eyes of fans. If they think they'll look worse ... it'll be a definite deterrent," Guttman said.
On Thursday, The House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection said it would be holding hearings later this month on pro wrestling, according to published reports. In a statement, WWE officials said they have been supplying information to Congress and will "continue to cooperate."
BY ALFONSO A. CASTILLO | alfonso.castillo@newsday.com
Concerns over the use of steroids and other illegal drugs in pro wrestling reached a climax this week as World Wrestling Entertainment suspended 11 performers for drug-policy violations and a congressional subcommittee scheduled hearings to explore the issue.
After announcing the suspension of 10 wrestlers Thursday, WWE attorney Jerry McDevitt Friday confirmed to Newsday one more suspension. Although WWE has not released any names, the suspensions came after WWE learned from Albany prosecutors that several wrestlers had received steroids and other drugs from an Internet dealer under investigation.
McDevitt said no further suspensions are expected.
Sports Illustrated reported that among the wrestlers who illegally received drugs from Signature Pharmacies were WWE headliners Randy Orton, Ken "Mr. Kennedy" Anderson, Adam "Edge" Copeland and John "Morrison" Hennigan.
Former WWE stars Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, and Brian Adams, who have all died since 2005, were also named as customers. Police say Benoit had high levels of testosterone in his system when he killed his wife, son and himself in June.
Ten of the suspensions are for 30 days. One is for 60 days, indicating it was a second violation.
WWE also said it would be changing its policy as of Nov. 1 to go public with the names of any performer who violates the drug policy.
Massapequa wrestling journalist James Guttman, webmaster for WorldWrestlingInsanity.com, said the change in WWE's policy is "the best course of action they can take."
"They do these drugs so they could look better in the eyes of fans. If they think they'll look worse ... it'll be a definite deterrent," Guttman said.
On Thursday, The House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection said it would be holding hearings later this month on pro wrestling, according to published reports. In a statement, WWE officials said they have been supplying information to Congress and will "continue to cooperate."