RECENT DEATH OF CHRIS BENOIT SHEDS LIGHT ON STEROID PROBLEM IN PROFESSIONAL WRESTING

Washington, Jul 6, 2007 - Today Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL) called on the House Energy & Commerce Committee to investigate allegations of rampant steroid use in professional wrestling. Said Stearns, "Between 1985 and 2006, 89 wrestlers have died before the age of 50.   Of course, not all of these deaths can be attributed to steroid use.  However, this abnormally high number of deaths of young, fit athletes should raise congressional alarms.  Millions of young wrestling fans, for better or for worse, look up to professional wrestlers as role models.  The Anabolic Steroid Act of 1990 makes it a felony to use and distribute these drugs.  Congress needs to investigate the recent events and find out how big of a problem steroid use is in professional wrestling.  Steroid use is a major public health problem that deserves Congress' full attention."
As Chairman of the Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee, Stearns conducted hearings in 2005 on steroid use and introduced legislation, H.R. 3084, the Drug Free Sports Act, establishing a single steroid testing standard for professional sports and setting penalties for steroid use leading up to a lifetime suspension for the third offense.  Added Stearns, "Congress must remain concerned about the use of illegal, performance- enhancing drugs in sports at all levels and the effect that unpunished professional athletes who use such drugs will have on future generations."