Congress presses pro wrestling (WWE) on steroids and doping issues; Vince McMahon says he doesn't pee for anyone

Congress released a report on drug testing in the pro wrestling world -- which means Vince McMahon's WWE.  The results show those pro wrestlers like to get high, and sometimes juice and speed.  McMahon -- who obviously looks too good for his age -- doesn't submit to dope testing.

The Congressional report his here, and a story in the New York Daily News here.

The results look somewhat suspicious because the numbers don't add up, perhaps because of extenuating circumstances.  It looks like there were 479 tests, with 58 positives.  (That amounts to 4.2 tests per wrester).  However most positives contained marijuana.  There appear to be 9 positives for anabolic steroids (2 nandrolone, 5 testosterone, and 2 Winstrol), yest only 6 suspensions.  There were 3 other suspensions, 2 for coke, and one for a narcotic.

A bit ludicrous that only a few positive tests dribbled out considered the way the WWE wrestlers look pumped and primed, including the sleazy CEO.

Obviously the WWE did not test for HGH, insulin, EPO, and several other anabolic drugs.  And California Representative Henry Waxman continues to be interested in WWE doping issues.

Henry Waxman fired one more anti-steroid salvo as outgoing chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, shifting his focus from baseball to professional wrestling, a sport with a long history of alleged steroid and drug abuse.

In Friday's letter addressed to the director of the government's Office of National Drug Control Policy, Waxman (D-Calif.) requested that ONDCP chief John Walters "examine steroid use in professional wrestling and take appropriate steps to address this problem."

The Oversight Committee began its own investigation into pro wrestling's doping problem a year ago, interviewing sport officials and examining drug testing policies for World Wrestling Entertainment and its competitor, Total Nonstop Action.

In 2005, the Oversight Committee lambasted baseball during a congressional hearing, prompting MLB to enact stricter drug testing policies and more severe punishments for offenders. But Waxman suggested in his letter Friday that pro wrestling has a long way to go toward eradicating its doping culture, starting with the woefully inadequate drug testing programs in place.

"In the first year of WWE's testing program, which began in March 2006, 40% of wrestlers tested positive for steroids and other drugs, even after being warned in advance that they were going to be tested," wrote Waxman.

Waxman continue on his rant:

Waxman also detailed how wrestlers who test positive for performance enhancers receive light punishment and can often participate in wrestling events even after steroid violations. The committee investigation also uncovered how easily wrestlers can secure therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs) - permission to take banned substances for medical reasons - so they can continue performing while using steroids. When Waxman's staff interviewed Dr. Tracy Ray, a physician contracted by WWE, Ray claimed there was "shadiness in almost every (TUE) case that I've reviewed."

Interesting how the physician for the WWE indicates corruption.  Also note the obvious dodge by Vince McMahon who run the a very corrupt operation.

"(Ray) stated that he does not examine wrestlers, discuss their medical conditions with their doctors, or conduct detailed reviews of their medical conditions before granting (TUEs)," wrote Waxman.

WWE chairman Vince McMahon comes off even less flattering in his interview. McMahon told the committee he is "not subject to the WWE substance abuse policy," even though he still performs in WWE events.

"When asked whether steroids could cause impairment and risks to wrestlers and others in the ring, Mr. McMahon indicated that he had never considered the question," Waxman wrote.

Waxman will become chairman of the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee this month. Walters could not be reached for comment. Calls left with WWE were not returned.

 

Comments

[Eric]

I've read all the congressional interviews with all three McMahons from start to finish, and I think Vince was highly misquoted. The part where he "hadn't considered the question" is misleading. What he was getting at is that perhaps the FDA and other government organizations should be spending time answering these questions for the public, rather than Congress asking laymen heads of entertainment organizations. And McMahon, albeit smug and standoffish, makes a very excellent point in my opinion.

Also, think about it for a second, why in the hell should he have to take a drug test? Is he going to suspend himself? Fire himself? That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard.

Also, consider the source. Anyone see Bigger, Stronger, Faster? Waxman, to me, seems very high uneducated as it relates performance enhancing drugs. The half man/half rodent seems to paint everyone and everything with the same brush, but with little evidence or knowledge on the subject. And the accusatory manner in which he makes declarations, all I can say to that is he's lucky he's in the position that he is. If he were an analyst or TV personality instead, he'd have some lawsuits on his hands.

[Eric]

Just to add to my last comment; please don't get me wrong. I think performance enhancing drugs are still a problem in pro wrestling. That being said, I have seen a noticeable difference in the emphasis on physiques in WWE in the past few years, as well as a few key guys losing a noticeable amount of mass. However, TNA and the indies still have an alarming amount of guys with unnatural body building physiques. It all seems so incredibly unnecessary. I know it's a demanding profession, but I just don't see a link between excelling at what is more an art form than it is an athletic endeavour, and looking like a pro bodybuilder.

Old habits die hard.

[azala]

@Eric
Performance enhancing drugs has always been a problem to all sports - how it the dismantles the notion of a level playing field, how it degenerates the bodies of people using them, how they circumvent effort and exercise, etc. These are but few of the arguments against using steroids.