UFC mixed martial arts fighter Justin Levens was found dead along with his wife in their Laguna Niguel condominium in California. Authorities believed it was a case of murder-suicide although investigation is still ongoing to determine exactly the nature of the crime.

“Nothing has been ruled out,” said Orange Country Sheriff’s spokesman Jim Amormino.

The bodies of Levens, 28 and his wife Sara McLean-Levens, 25, were discovered around 2:30 pm Wednesday by the mother of McLean-Levens, saying she got worried when she had not heard from her daughter for five days. When she saw the bodies, the woman dialed 911 for help. The bodies were believed to be in the home for at least a few days.

Orange County Superior Court records indicated that Levens was convicted in 2003 of spousal injury.

His last fight was scheduled July this year, but he was banned before the fight for testing positive for oxymorphone, an opioid analgesic.

This case has spawned suspicions that the crime was caused by roid rage, a term used to refer to aggressive and violent behavior of anabolic steroid users. However, there has been no concrete indication that Levens was abusing steroids.

According to the report of LA Times, no suicide note was found but authorities recovered a handgun at the scene. Police also found huge amounts of pain killers and anti-depressants at the condo but not anabolic steroids.

It has been compared with the Chris Benoit double murder-suicide which was alleged to have been caused also by roid rage. However, people who are involved in the case, including Benoit’s father, linked the wrestler’s murderous behavior to dementia which was believed to be caused by repetitive head concussions

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Michael Bisping’s gym is now in another type of arena as it leads the fight against use of anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs in the sport.

Wolfslair MMA gym in Widnes wants to prove to the followers of the sport that its fighters are not involved in steroid abuse.

American Chris Leben tested positive for the stanozolol following his encounter with Bisping. The American fighter got suspended for nine months and was asked to pay the fine amounting to a third of his fight purse by the UFC. Leben lost to Bisping in points in at the UFC 89 that took place Oct. 18.

Wolfslair owner Anthony McGann stated: “With regards to steroids in the sport, we go one step further than the UFC and test internally. We test in-house before fights. Not because we think our fighters are taking anything but because we don’t want to get tarred with that brush.”

Aside from Bisping, other notable charges of the gym include Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson and Cheick Congo.

McGann along with another MMA fan Lee Gwynn have been able to establish Wolfslair as UK’s premier training ground for high-level MMA fighters. Not bad for something which has started as a hobby for both its founders.

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MMAjunkie.com reports that mixed martial Chris Leben is penalized with a nine-month suspension due to failed doping test.

Leben’s promotion, the Ultimate Fighting Championships, handed down the suspension when the middleweight fighter tested positive for the anabolic steroid stanozolol in a post-fight screening. Leben was also asked to pay a fine amounting to one-third of the payroll he received at the UFC 89 that took place in Birmingham, England.

Leben lost to English fighter Michael Bisping in said event through unanimous decision.

Leben stated: “I’ve really done everything I can to turn my life around, and this is a huge setback for me, but it is something I will have to deal with. During my time off from fighting, I want to speak to kids about the dangers of using performance enhancing agents and let them know it just doesn’t get you ahead in life. Of course this is a hard hit for me monetarily, but more so this is embarrassing for me and for all of my fans. I apologize to the UFC and everyone who supported me in my fight in England. I hope to work through this and get back to fighting soon.”

Meanwhile, UFC president Dana White said: “I am obviously disappointed with Chris, who has made great strides getting his life back on track. To his credit, he has taken responsibility for his actions and is accepting the punishment that has been handed down. But as always, the UFC puts the safety of its athletes first and foremost, and we won’t tolerate anyone using performance enhancing drugs in our organization.”

Leben is expected to return to the UFC July 2009.

More background info from MMAjunkie.com:

Leben had been scheduled to headline UFC 85 with Bisping in June, but the bout was postponed so that Leben could serve jail time for a previous DUI offense. He hoped jail time wouldn’t be issued and that the move would allow him to secure a visa for the event. However, Leben was sentenced to 35 days in the Clackamas County Jail in Oregon (though he was released early), and the fight was postponed.

Serving the jail time was part of what Leben called a maturation process that followed his move to Hawaii, where he now serves as an MMA instructor at the ICON Fitness and MMA Center. Prior to UFC 89, Leben, who appeared on “The Ultimate Fighter 1″ (with a few drunken rampages), also said he had quit drinking.

Stanozolol, commonly sold as Winstrol (oral) and Winstrol Depot (injectable) is a synthetic steroid derived from testosterone. It has been prescribed to treat diverse conditions in both human and animal patients. In humans, stanozolol is effective in treating anemia and hereditary angioedema. In animals, it is used in promoting muscle growth, appetite, and red blood cell production.

Other MMA fighters who tested positive for this steroid in the past include Phil Baroni, Tim Sylvia, and German-born Kimo Leopoldo.

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October 22 will be a turning point in Antonio ‘Junior’ ’s mixed martial arts career. Will Silva continue to wear the EliteXC’s heavyweight championship belt?

October 22 is the date for the Brazilian fighter appeal hearing on his alleged steroid use. And if the initial decision by the California Athletic Commission is upheld, Silva would be served with a 12-month suspension. He would also have to pay the fine of $2,500.

Silva tested positive for the anabolic steroid boldenone on July 26 this year, after his victory over Justin Eilers. Silva denied any wrongdoing. Following the announcement of the test results, Silva issued this statement:

“Dear Family, Friends, Fans and Public, I did not use the steroid Boldenone, or any other steroid of prohibited substance. I don’t agree and never have agreed with the use of this kind of product in order to win, for this is cheating. I will go to the full extent of my power and the law to prove my innocence in this matter.”

Alex Davis, Silva’s manager, maintains his fighter did not take the steroid.

“It’s a false positive. He got tested positive for something he didn’t take,” said Davis in August, shortly after the release of the test results. “I will not let my fighter sit back and be wronged like this. I just won’t.”

Silva’s camp is contesting the test results insisting that Silva could not have taken the banned compound because he is suffering from acromegaly, a hormonal disorder in which the pituitary gland produces excessive amount of growth hormone. One of the most common symptoms of acromegaly is enlargement of extremities such as the hands and feet.

Davis stresses that, “It would be completely insensible or even dangerous to make use of any other steroids or substances that could worsen that kind of problem.”

Silva’s camp hired Howard Jacobs, an attorney who is no stranger to such cases. Jacobs has represented Sean Sherk, another notable MMA fighter who tested for the steroid nandrolone. Jacobs was able to cut in half Sherk’s one year suspension to only six months.

The appeal hearing will take place at the Ronald Reagan State Building in Los Angeles, Calif., at 10:00 a.m. PT.

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There was a lot of talk about MMA fighter/Street fighter Kimbo Slice in the past year or so.  Ever since making his debut fighting on Youtube and other video sharing networks, for his boss - a porn site, he’s become a “huge” MMA start.  However, we all know and stated he was a joke, a big/weak joke.  Today kimbo slice proved to be a joke when he was knocked out in 14 seconds by Seth Petruzelli on EliteXC.

Here is a GIF of the knockout, no need for a video since it was only 14 seconds!

Kimbo was originally was supposed to fight Ken Shamrock - The worlds’ least dangerous man who is also the worlds’ biggest jacked up steroid users.  Unfortunately for Kimbo and EliteXc, instead of a washed out Ken Shamrock, they got a light heavyweight Seth Petruzelli, who was giving up about 30lbs. to Kimbo “the Joke” Slice.  All in all, today was Ken Shamrocks biggest knockout, as he likely delivered the knockout blow to EliteXC - most likely putting the promotion out of business by end of this year.

There were photos of Kimbo on the interent with a huge GUT, like he was really abusing human growth hormone (HGH) or IGF-1, so it seems HGH doesn’t really help you win fights.  Talent does!

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Everyone always talks about Steroid use in Japanese MMA organizations, but who cares? when the knockouts are this good!

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A controversial Internet documentary on steroid use is receiving great online viewership, generating both favorable and negative feedbacks from Netizens. Currently broadcasting its 7th episode, Steroids Saved My Life stars recent film graduate Peter Brown, an ectomorph, whose goal is to enhance his physical appearance with the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids.

The 12-part Internet series, which debuted August, involve director/producer Nenad Barjaktarovic, cinematographer/editor Shane Smith, and advertising/publicity supervisor Youssef El-Khoury, and the guinea pig himself Peter.

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Peter puts himself in front of the camera, recording his transformation from a lanky guy to a macho and aggressive dude. Peter is 6’1″ and has a starting weight of 138 lbs. His goal weight is 180 lbs and he currently weighs in at 158 lbs. A weight increase of 20 lbs in seven weeks? Not bad.

According to their official site, the team is practicing caution while doing their ‘experimental’ film.

“With any supplement or drug there are always positive and negative attributes. I am being closely monitored by my family doctor to make sure I am in good health,” Peter says. “Our main goal is to get me healthy and fit, to develop proper eating and exercise routines with long-term benefits.”

The cast and crew are happy with the outcome of the series so far.

“We have found that whether people agree or disagree with steroid use they are still watching the show, still interested to see where the story goes and that’s what is important,” Peter says.

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Steroids Saved My Life -  YouTube Channel

Steroids Saved My Life - Official Website

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EliteXC Heat on October 4 will be the venue for both Ken Shamrock and Kevin ‘Kimbo Slice’ Ferguson to prove something. Shamrock’s goal is to shut up his critics who are suggesting retirement for him. To Ferguson, it is to validate his position in mainstream MMA.

Indeed, big stakes are in for both mixed martial artists. During an intense teleconference on Thursday, Shamrock was quite vocal about his feeling towards the fight and the fighter he’s pitted against. It was clear to Shamrock that he would be a pawn to the promotion’s big event, which is to take place at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise in Florida. Shamrock did not mince words expressing his views about the whole thing.

“That is absolutely what this is,” Shamrock said. “I’m absolutely taking it as an insult, and I’m going to smash it back in their face.”

Indeed, Shamrock (26-13-2) will have to deliver a smashing performance; otherwise, the public outcry for his retirement will grow louder. Shamrock’s age and record are working against him. He is 44 years old, well past the prime of any fighter. He suffered defeats in eight of his 10 last matches. Shamrock is now on a five-fight losing streak and it was apparent he did not put up a good fight in those losses – he has not survived the first round in any of his last five matches. That’s a great disappointment from a man who’s been nicknamed as “The World’s Most Dangerous Man.”

“All I’ve got to say is that I apologize for my last couple of performances,” Shamrock said. “I have no excuses. On Oct. 4, I will shut everybody up and make amends for those [losses] by putting Kimbo’s lights out.”

Ferguson (3-0), then, became at the receiving end of Shamrock’s fierce words. “After it’s over,” Shamrock said, “I’m going to shave your goatee.”

Ferguson, meanwhile, resisted to take the verbal bait and shrugged off Shamrock’s comments. “I’m not a s–t talker,” he said.

Ferguson was very much aware that he would not prove anything by talking – after all, he is not only at the receiving end of Shamrock’s nasty remarks but also of the persistent speculation that he has yet to find his footing in mainstream MMA. Ferguson gained popularity via the Internet, appearing in several filmed underground streefights before his introduction to commercialized MMA.

His performance at his last bout earned criticisms. Although he was able to defeat Pride Fighting Championships veteran James Thompson, many said Ferguson was ‘out of sorts’ when his opponent pushed the action to the ground. Ferguson considered that bout, as well as the nasty post-fight reviews, as worthwhile lessons.

“Every fight makes me a more complete fighter,” Ferguson said. “I’m prepared for a lot of s–t. Losing’s not an option, but if it happens, I’ll learn from it and come back from it. Ken’s really going to have to be Superman to beat me.”

Yet, the 34-year-old fighter from Florida was not underestimating Shamrock’s fighting skills.

“I grew up watching Ken,” Ferguson said. “I’m honored to fight a guy like him. If I beat Ken’s ass, I’m good. This guy has the ability to f–k somebody up. I’m not taking this s–t lightly. I want a guy who’s going to try and kick my ass, try to knock me out, try to break my leg. He still has the ability to pull something off. I don’t underestimate anybody.”

Shamrock, on the other hand, showed no respect for Ferguson’s abilities.

“I don’t respect his power,” Shamrock said. “The only time he’s knocked anyone out is when they were tired. At this point, I have no respect for him at all. I’m going in there to whip his ass.”

And, seasoned fighter as he is, Shamrock openly acknowledged what his triumph over Ferguson could mean to him.

“It’s a huge thing for me and my career,” he said. “I can taste this one. I want this bad. He’s a fast-rising star, and this is an opportunity for me to get in the ring and revive my career.”

And to those people who want to see him retired in some obscure Mexican town, Shamrock has some parting words for them.

“People are asking the question, ‘Should I be in the ring?’” Shamrock said. “I guarantee I’m going to answer the question and put a period at the end of it.”

Remember, Ken Shamrock is a walking and talking example of steroid abuse and HGH abuse.  He was so pumped up on anabolic steroids that he couldn’t move properly.

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The indictments against Signature Pharmacy were dismissed by a New York state judge on Thursday because prosecutors mishandled the case.

According to USA Today, Albany Judge Stephen Herrick described the case as ‘complex and unwieldy’ and blamed the county prosecutors for the case being dropped.  The judge said the prosecutors provided incomplete information and inadequate instruction to grand jurors and that the prosecutors “have impaired the integrity of the grand jury proceedings to such a degree that a dismissal is warranted.”

Herrick added that the charges against the five people involved in the case were not well defined. The defendants – Stan and Naomi Loomis (husband-wife owners of Signature Pharmacy), pharmacist Michael Loomis and associates Kirk Calvert and Anthony Palladino – were charged with 31 felony and two misdemeanor counts.

Defense attorney Amy Tingley welcomed the news.

“The game’s over,” said Tingley. “My clients are relieved that they can put this behind them and move on with their lives. After 20 months, (prosecutors) failed to put up a case that could even proceed to trial. We were always confident that we could prevail once it got to a jury, but the judge found there weren’t even grounds to continue the case.”

Herrick’s ruling bars Albany County District Attorney David Soares from filing new charges against the defendants.

Signature Pharmacy is an Orlando-based company which advertised itself as a cutting edge drug provider in women’s health, offering customized medical solutions to its customers suffering from vitamin and hormone deficiencies. The company, however, was suspected of engaging in steroid production and distribution activity, and its alleged customers included several famous athletes from NFL and MLB.  Federal authorities reported that Signature Pharmacy supplied more than $10 million worth of illicit drugs in New York alone. Raids had been conducted in several Signature pharmacies in Florida.

The USA Today article provides further details on this news:

Since January 2007, Soares’ office has indicted 22 people linked to nine pharmacies or so-called wellness centers, most based in Florida. Seventeen have pleaded guilty, including Anthony Forgione, whose plea deal on three felony counts of distributing a controlled substance was accepted Thursday. Charges against two defendants, Steven and Karen Lampert of Nanuet, N.Y., were dropped in November 2007.

Thursday’s decision has no effect on those who have taken pleas.

“We have received the decision issued by Judge Herrick this morning regarding the five Signature defendants,” Soares said in a statement. “We do not agree and are appealing this decision.”

Rodney Harrison, a safety for the NFL’s New England Patriots, was suspended by the league for four games last season for violating its policy on banned substances. He purchased human growth hormone (HGH) from a wellness center in Florida connected to the investigation, Chris Baynes, an Albany County assistant district attorney told The Boston Globe last year.
Dallas Cowboys assistant coach Wade Wilson was suspended for five games and fined $100,000 by the NFL after it learned through the investigation that Wilson, while a member of the Chicago Bears’ staff, had purchased a banned substance from a company that later was targeted.

Soares and members of his office also met with investigators for former Sen. George Mitchell, who was tapped by Major League Baseball to investigate performance-enhancing drug use in that sport.

Last December’s Mitchell Report alleged St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Rick Ankiel, Cleveland Indians pitcher Paul Byrd and former major leaguers Jay Gibbons and Jason Grimsley received shipments of HGH from Signature. The report also said New York Mets reliever Scott Schoeneweis and St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Troy Glaus received shipments of steroids.
None of the players were punished by Major League Baseball.

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So it seems the signature pharmacy steroid bust has come to an end.  As far as facts go, the pharmacy was doing everything legal, they had doctor prescriptions, they had phone consultations with doctors and they did help people who needed hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Let’s hope this signature pharamcy case is a lead for the feds to leave steroids alone, because prosecuting steroids is not black and white anymore, and judges aren’t putting up with BS anymore as they used to.  Let’s hope that anabolic steroids will now go on the backburner of “drug” busts.  With probable budget cuts in the coming years due to huge deficits, let’s hope steroids are left alone to be underground as they have been for over 40 years.

A judge threw out criminal indictments against the central figures in a wide-ranging national steroids investigation on Thursday, citing a series of blunders and missteps by prosecutors for the Albany County district attorney, P. David Soares.

Mr. Soares’s investigation, which began three and a half years ago, has spanned at least four states and involved at least seven federal and state agencies. It has so far resulted in 17 guilty pleas from people who prosecutors alleged were involved in distributing steroids and other performance enhancers to thousands of customers around the country, including sports stars and other celebrities.

But Judge Stephen W. Herrick, of Albany County Court, found that mistakes by the prosecution had prejudiced the case against five people associated with Florida-based Signature Pharmacy, which prosecutors had alleged was the supplier of at least $10 million worth of controlled substances sold to customers in New York. They are Naomi Loomis and Robert Loomis, the husband and wife who own the pharmacy; Mr. Loomis’s brother, Kenneth Michael Loomis, a pharmacist at the company; and two former employees, Kirk Calvert and Tony Palladino.

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