THE SIDELINES : Lure of Money Blamed for Drug Use

TORONTO —  Widespread drug use in sport can be directly related to the growing importance of money, a former Olympian told a federal drug inquiry today.

Bill Crothers of Canada, an 800-meter silver medalist at the 1964 Games in Tokyo, said as long as the financial gains are worth the risks of drug use, cheating will continue.

Crothers, a pharmacist, said drug use was sporadic among track and field athletes during the 1960s.

But, he said, the 1964 gold medalist in the 400 meters--American Michael Larrabee--took the muscle-building drugs 11 years before they were banned. “It was common knowledge,” said the 49-year-old Crothers.