WASHINGTON, 26 October 2003 — Two US senators have introduced legislation to bring substances at the center of an international sports steroid scandal under government control.
The measure adding tetrahydrogestrinone, androstenedione and other steroid precursors to the list of muscle-building steroids listed as Schedule III controlled substances was introduced by Sens. Joseph Biden and Orrin Hatch late on Thursday.
Metabolized by the body into testosterone or other steroids, the precursors, sometimes dubbed “designer” steroids, have been the subject of a recent crackdown by sports authorities around the world.
US track and field chiefs said this week they were weighing lifetime bans even for first-time steroid offenses by American athletes.
Athletes could also be fined up to $100,000 if convicted of steroid use, and their coaches could face similar fines.
“Products like andro and other pro-steroids are marketed to kids and young athletes as an effective way to increase muscle mass,” said Biden, a Delaware Democrat.
“However, I have serious concerns about the safety of these substances.”
“I have been extremely frustrated by the lack of regulatory action on these performance-enhancing products,” said Hatch, a Utah Republican.
