Congress Will Look Into Use of Steroids

Congress is going to look into steroid use in baseball, after the recent disclosure that two former league most valuable players used the muscle-building drugs.

Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) said Monday he plans to hold a hearing that also will look at steroid use in the Olympics and among college athletes. Dorgan is chairman of the consumer affairs, foreign commerce and tourism subcommittee of the Senate Commerce Committee.

“Everybody knows how damaging use of these steroids are to athletes’ health,” Dorgan said. “We’ve got an issue to face as a country, not just among baseball players, but also with college sports and our Olympic athletes.”

No date has been set for the hearing. Dorgan said he plans to invite baseball executives, players and union representatives.

Steroids have become a major topic in baseball since former MVPs Ken Caminiti and Jose Canseco admitted using the drugs. Caminiti retired last year, and Canseco ended his 17-year career this spring.

It’s unclear how many current players take steroids. Canseco told The Wall Street Journal that up to 85% took steroids when he played. Some players, such as Atlanta pitcher Tom Glavine, say that estimate is far too high.

The NFL and NBA prohibit steroids and tests for them, but Major League Baseball does not.

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Roger Clemens’ fastball that plunked Barry Bonds might cost the New York Yankee ace more than a little respect.

Baseball is looking into whether Clemens should be disciplined for hitting the San Francisco slugger--as he hinted he might do.

“It’s under investigation,” a spokesman in major league disciplinarian Bob Watson’s office said.

Bonds said last winter he wanted to face Clemens. Asked last week about pitching to Bonds, Clemens mentioned the protective piece Bonds wears on his right arm.

“I will introduce myself pretty quick,” Clemens said, to “that big old piece of plastic he has on his elbow.”

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Boston outfielder Manny Ramirez took batting practice, a week earlier than expected, putting him on schedule for a possible return this weekend. He has been out since May 11 because of a broken finger.... The Yankees put closer Mariano Rivera on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained groin and outfielder Juan Rivera because of a broken kneecap.... The New York Mets fired hitting coach Dave Engle. The Mets rank 13th in runs and 14th in batting average in the National League