GRIMSLEY CASE INDICATES THAT USE OF THESE SUBSTANCES COULD BE WIDESPREAD IN SPORTS

Washington, Jun 9, 2006 - "Once again we learn of the use of performance enhancing drugs in major league baseball and the failure of MLB to rid the sport of drugs," stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), Chairman of the Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee.  "I am considering a hearing to examine the use of human growth hormones in sports and on developing ways to detect their use.  In addition, I think that we should look at MLB's current testing standards."  Current testing techniques are unable to detect the use of human growth hormones.

Stearns offered H.R. 3084, the Drug Free Sports Act, which establishes a single testing standard for professional sports modeled on those of the Olympics, requires at least five random tests per athlete per year, and sets strong penalties including a one-half season suspension for the first offense, a full season suspension for the second, and a lifetime ban for the third.  H.R. 3084 was approved by the Energy & Commerce Committee and is ready for consideration by the full House.  Stearns held a number of hearings on steroid use in sports, which led to his introduction of H.R. 3084.