Chris Benoit dead

[Marc Ambush Solo]

Okay... Never mind...

[Ant]

Normal person has a ratio of 1:1.WWE testing has an automatic failure level of 10:1.Benoit's level was 59:1,

Jesus, just a tad over the average

[guts316]

Normal person has a ratio of 1:1.WWE testing has an automatic failure level of 10:1.Benoit's level was 59:1,

WWE does allow the prescription of testosterone when it is being used for the treatment of past use of anabolic steroids.

[Kenny McBride]

Which is pretty neat when lowering your testosterone level to get a prescription is amazingly easy and prescription testosterone is the holy grail for steroid users.

[guts316]

WWE have a statement on their corporate website now ;

 

New Benoit statement

 

World Wrestling Entertainment Issues Statement

July 17, 2007

STAMFORD, Conn., July 17, 2007

 

STAMFORD, Conn., July 17, 2007 - WWE understands that the toxicology reports for Chris Benoit indicate that he tested positive for testosterone and negative for anabolic steroids. On Mr. Benoit's last drug test in April 2007 administered by Aegis Labs, he tested negative for anabolic steroids and for testosterone. Given the toxicology report of GBI released today, it would appear that Mr. Benoit took testosterone sometime after his April 2007 test and the time he died. WWE understands that his dealings with Dr. Astin are currently being investigated, and WWE has no knowledge of whether Dr. Astin prescribed testosterone for Mr. Benoit at some point after the April 2007 tests.

 

For over 20 years, the WWE has been demonstrating our concern for the well being of our contracted athletes, instituting drug testing in 1987 leading up to our current Wellness Program which began on February 27, 2006, administered by Dr. David L. Black of Aegis Sciences Corporation - one of the world's foremost drug testing authorities.

 

We believe our Wellness Program is at the very least comparable to those of professional sports and is a program that will benefit WWE Superstars for generations to come.

Edited July 17, 2007 by guts316

[Quentin]

Just an interesting piece I found on Wikipedia...

Another condition that is frequently discussed as a possible side effect of anabolic steroids is known as "roid rage"; however there is no consensus in the medical literature as to whether such a condition actually exists. Testosterone levels are indeed associated with aggression and hypomania, but the link between other anabolic steroids and aggression remains unclear.[77] While some studies have shown a correlation between manic symptoms and anabolic steroid use,[78] later studies have questioned these conclusions.[69] Currently, three blind studies have demonstrated a link between aggression and steroid use, but with estimates of over 1 million past or current steroid users in the United states, an extremely small percentage of those using steroids appear to have experienced mental disturbance severe enough to result in clinical treatments or medical case reports.[79] In contrast, the majority of recent studies done on angry behavior and anabolic steroid use show little or no psychological effect, implying that either "roid rage" does not exist or that anabolic steroids' effects on aggression are often too small to be measured. Some studies however have shown a small correlation between marked hypomania and anabolic steroid use.[80] Here, only 50 individuals were studied, with two showing signs of marked hypomania. It has previously been theorized that some studies showing a correlation between angry behavior and steroid use are confounded by the fact that steroid users are likely to demonstrate cluster B personality disorders prior to administering steroids.[81] In addition, many case studies have concluded anabolic steroids have little or no real effect on increased aggressive behavior.[

[Surf Digby]

it would appear that Mr. Benoit took testosterone sometime after his April 2007 test and the time he died.

Surely that should read "Mr Benoit took testosterone sometime between his April 2007 test and the time he died.

[JNLister]

The exemption for prescribed testosterone is meant to be where it is being used for testosterone replacement therapy. It's not meant to give you testosterone above and beyond what you would 'normally' have.

 

As well as natural testosterone, everyone produces a substance called epitestosterone. Any artificial increase to your testosterone level doesn't change your epitestosterone level. That's why drug tests compare the ratios between the two for signs of unnaturally high testosterone levels.

 

A normal person's T/E ratio is 1:1.

 

A naturally occuring 4:1 ratio isn't overly unusual, but such a level is considered a fail in most sports. In WWE anything above a 4:1 flags you up for questioning but isn't a fail.

 

A 10:1 ratio is pretty much the highest that could, even in the most extreme cases, still be a naturally occurring levels. Above a 10:1 ratio is an automatic fail in WWE tests. The higher level in WWE is, depending on your interpretation, either because they believe wrestlers are more likely to have naturally higher levels, or because they are making the policy to reduce failures to the absolute bare minimum.

 

Benoit was at 59:1. If a normal person's T/E ratio is between 1:1 and 4:1, and 10:1 is as high as it's conceivable to be a natural level, it's pretty fucking obvious that somebody at 59:1 is doing more than 'replacing' testosterone.

 

It's likely technically true that the doctor was prescribing testosterone with the 'reason' that Benoit's levels were below what would be natural for him. However, both the amount being prescribed and the levels in his system show he was taking something in the region of six to ten times the amount that would be necessary for 'replacement' to get him to a natural level.

 

That's scientific fact. What's open to debate now is:

 

1) Why the doctor prescribed such a high level above and beyond what was medically justifiable?

 

and

 

2) Why Benoit felt the need to take such a high amount of testosterone, many times the amount that could be medically justified by the official reasons for the prescription, and the reasons that WWE accepted when deeming him to pass his tests?

 

The answer to question one is going to be down to the legal system to decide. But unless Benoit just really liked testosterone for some reason, the wrestling business has to answer question two.

Edited July 17, 2007 by JNLister

[Astro Hollywood]

But unless Benoit just really liked testosterone for some reason

To be fair, it is very moreish. Num num num *rubs belly*

[C/WMark Please!]

[News Update] WWE Releases Statement Regarding Benoit Toxicology Reports The following statement was release by World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. clarifying the findings of the toxicology reports for Nancy, Daniel, and Chris Benoit:STAMFORD, Conn., July 17, 2007 - WWE understands that the toxicology reports for Chris Benoit indicate that he tested positive for testosterone and negative for anabolic steroids. On Mr. Benoit's last drug test in April 2007 administered by Aegis Labs, he tested negative for anabolic steroids and for testosterone. Given the toxicology report of GBI released today, it would appear that Mr. Benoit took testosterone sometime after his April 2007 test and before the time he died. WWE understands that his dealings with Dr. Astin are currently being investigated, and WWE has no knowledge of whether Dr. Astin prescribed testosterone for Mr. Benoit at some point after the April 2007 tests.For over 20 years, the WWE has been demonstrating our concern for the well being of our contracted athletes, instituting drug testing in 1987 leading up to our current Wellness Program which began on February 27, 2006, administered by Dr. David L. Black of Aegis Sciences Corporation, one of the world

[The Dart]

I hate to have to point it out, but someone else posted that only 25 minutes ago!!

[DJ Stevie C]

Well whichever way you look at it, it's the 'bad news' expected.When I heard it was 'raised' levels of testosterone I thought for a while the WWE might have dodged the bullet, usually when they are as high as 59:1 I'd expect a doctor to say "abnormally high levels" rather than just 'raised'.The only PLUS so to speak is that there were no anabolic steroids so some media outlets will ask questions rather than just jump on it and empty their sacks. In any case, those questions are going to be very hard to answer and unless the WWE can produce valid test results that state his levels were 'close' to normal when Benoit was tested in April they could be completly fucked. Right now they are just fucked.

Edited July 17, 2007 by DJ Stevie C

[The Dart]

So long as they can prove he tested negative in April when he was last randomly tested (which wasnt that long ago), they can't be directly to blame?They can't stop him getting steroids and using them in his personal time in his house, from his family doctor, can they? They aren't responsible for what he does in his life when he's not at their shows. You can argue that it's their schedule that causes wrestlers to take steroids, and that they push larger wrestlers over smaller wrestlers, but it's still that wrestler's personal choice to do it. No evidence says WWE force them.They can just randomly test him, and then do whatever they need to do if he does test positive. Obviously if it turns out he didn't test negative in April, then dear oh dear.

[DJ Stevie C]

So long as they can prove he tested negative in April when he was last randomly tested (which wasnt that long ago), they can't be directly to blame?They can't stop him getting steroids and using them in his personal time in his house, from his family doctor, can they? They aren't responsible for what he does in his life when he's not at their shows. You can argue that it's their schedule that causes wrestlers to take steroids, and that they push larger wrestlers over smaller wrestlers, but it's still that wrestler's personal choice to do it. No evidence says WWE force them.They can just randomly test him, and then do whatever they need to do if he does test positive. Obviously if it turns out he didn't test negative in April, then dear oh dear.

I think the issue is if he tested negative in April but still had a raised testosterone level that they try to justify....Thats of course if they have the results still...

[edgecrusher]

It's obvious that WWE is just sticking its fingers in its ears and humming a happy tune. It won't allow itself to change. It'll stick out the odd lamb to get slaughtered by the media (Fit Finlay/Kennedy), and simply go on as if the non-answers given actually matter and they'll pretend it's no problem. That's what they always do.Fact is, no anabolic steroids were found. The media's focused on that to such a degree that WWE can just wipe it away and shove it under the carpet.

They can just randomly test him, and then do whatever they need to do if he does test positive.

What, temporarily suspend him, mock him if he comes off the roids, then push him again when he gets back on without failing?