Nebraska Football Steroid Purchases Are Alleged

Several University of Nebraska football players purchased anabolic steroids in 1983 and 1984 and were taught how to pass urinalysis tests, according to Anthony Fitton, a convicted trafficker in steroids.

Fitton, 36, is serving a 4 1/2-year prison sentence at San Diego’s Metropolitan Correctional Center for offenses that included two counts of illegal trafficking in anabolic steroids. He was quoted in Sports Illustrated as saying he had sold or given counsel on steroids to strength coaches or athletes at several schools, including Baylor, South Carolina, Virginia and Temple.

Of Nebraska, Fitton said, “I had contacts in the Lincoln gyms. I got people referred to me. I enjoyed working with (the players).”

The magazine said Nebraska Coach Tom Osborne expressed strong disapproval of athletes’ using steroids and said he began a drug-testing program last year when he became suspicious of substantial weight gains by about one-third of his players.

Osborne was quoted as saying he recalled that one player named by Fitton “was a little bit antsy about the testing.”

Osborne said Tuesday that Nebraska has tested its football players for steroid use the past two years, and “we have yet to find anyone who tested positively.”