WWE Suspends 10 Wrestlers Over Steroids

Punishments Delivered Based On Information From New York Raid Of Pharmaceutical Company

(AP)  World Wrestling Entertainment has suspended 10 of its wrestlers for violations of a policy that tests for steroids and other drugs after receiving information from New York prosecutors, the company said Thursday.

Stamford-based WWE says it issued suspension notices based on independent information from the Albany County New York District Attorney's Office, which has been investigating illegal steroid sales.

Neither the WWE nor the Albany County District Attorney's office would comment on the pro wrestlers' identities Thursday, aside from saying no criminal charges were filed.

Under the WWE wellness policy begun last year, which requires tests for steroids and other drugs, a wrestler faces a 30-day suspension without pay for a first violation, a 60-day suspension for a second violation and firing for a third violation. Performers are tested at least four times per year.

"We are very actively working to eradicate the use of steroids and performance enhancing drugs in the WWE," WWE spokesman Gary Davis said. "Today's action is part of that effort."

WWE officials met with New York prosecutors investigating illegal steroid sales earlier this month. Albany County District Attorney P. David Soares' office has said pro wrestler Chris Benoit, who killed his family before hanging himself in June, and other WWE wrestlers had been been clients of Signature Pharmacy of Orlando, Fla. Investigators say Benoit had a steroid and other drugs in his system at the time.

"When our investigation into the illegal sale and distribution of controlled substances began, my office enlisted the assistance of World Wrestling Entertainment after a number of their wrestlers appeared on customer lists of clinics connected with Signature Pharmacy," Soares said.

Nine people, including three current or former physicians, have pleaded guilty, most affiliated with Internet and phone-order companies that filled orders for anabolic steroids and growth hormones through Signature and sent drugs to customers around the country, including Albany County.

Signature's owners have pleaded not guilty.

The Benoit case prompted the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee to ask WWE to turn over any information it has on steroid and drug abuse in pro wrestling. The committee has not yet scheduled a hearing on the case.

WWE said the company's practice has been to not release the names of suspended wrestlers, but the company has notified performers that starting Nov. 1 the names of those suspended for violating the policy will be made public.

WWE has about 160 wrestlers. WWE shares closed Thursday at $14.80, down 21 cents.

[cocoloco6]

hello all while i repect the right to everyone pesonnel choice il just say this ive been a wrestling fan since i was abt 7 i love being entertain , the mc man family have doon extremily well am never disapointed never . but please stop the crazy things enough is enough y father would have never allowed all of this wreslers dieing like drinking water falling from the sky on too a ring , entertaiment is good , great but safty must always come first after all what good is rock , or hogan , austin if they die. i want all my wreslers to live long and happy as dusty would say those demons to be number one whats inportant is family noting more a town comes and goes but y talent is one i mis eddie so so much thx for your time cont success raymon posada

[Krazcarl]

We know wreastlers are on steroids you don''t get as big as a mach truck drinkig V8 and tuna. wresling is for children and wetpants that only buy into it. It''s all a scam has been for 40 years

[ratmonkeyx]

Wrestlers?? On STEROIDS?? Who would have guessed THAT???
If the WWE gets rid of all of the steroid users they may have a bit of an issue. Suspending any of them is absurd and wildly hypocritical. They are entertainers and their industry demands certain they maintain apperances and performances that can very rarely be achieved without "assistance."

Why people are even remotely concerned with whether or not any athletes CHOOSE to do this, is beyond me. Far more damage is done on a daily basis by alchohol users - both to themseleves and other people. Perhaps we should re-introduce prohibition... I don''t think so!

[robberfella]

Its time to get real! Steroids are dangerous if abused just like alcohol or tobacco! if done correctly they can be o.k. (just ask the governor of California) thousands of professional bodybuilders use them year in year out, they have to! but we are not seeing the amount of deaths in that sport simply because bodybuilders are clean living people who diet correctly, get plenty of rest, who do not have to take painkillers like water in order to compete day in day out and do not abuse alcohol whilst on the road. Steriods are not the problem!! And thats a fact.

[jturner77]

I think as in being wrestling fan that this overdue. It could have stopped a lot of problems and terrible situations that have happened. However, in being a fan, I think that now is better that later. So, it is a great thing try to stop and the WWE is putting forth a worthy effort to stop. I have read some of the names and performers who might be involved. Many of them are really outstanding athletes and major parts in the company. To suspend some of them may be a big blow to the company, but, it shows that they are willing to do anything to help their performers and the industry. Say what you will, to me, this is a good step for them.