Drug designer put on the spot, By: Duncan Mackay
October 5, 2006
This month marks the third anniversary of the start of the investigation into the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative and there could soon be more sensational revelations after Patrick Arnold, the scientist who developed the designer anabolic steroid THG, was subpoenaed to give evidence to the grand jury in San Francisco which is trying to discover whether the baseball player Barry Bonds has committed perjury.
Arnold told Sports Illustrated this month that he has no direct knowledge of alleged steroid use by Bonds. But he did disclose that Victor Conte, the owner and founder of Balco who distributed the drugs Arnold manufactured, kept him informed of how athletes were responding to THG and other drugs.
In addition to supplying Conte, Arnold gave drugs to athletes and coaches and he has long been concerned that federal prosecutors would force him to name them. In a plea agreement negotiated last spring, he conceded that he manufactured three designer steroids and was sentenced to three months in a federal prison and three months' house arrest. He was not required to name the athletes and coaches he gave drugs to but the grand jury may force him to disclose this information.
Standstill on Os' stand
Leyton Orient's chairman, Barry Hearn, has said a decision by Waltham Forest council to deny planning permission for a fourth 1,300-seat stand at Brisbane Road could not only force the club to leave their home since 1936, but has denied local residents the chance to buy affordable housing. The plan included 64 flats, including some for those with disabilities.
"The borough will now not benefit from the substantial inward investment the development would have brought, in particular 40% affordable housing which included housing for people with special needs," said Hearn.
"With the Olympic Games looming for the area in 2012 it is surprising that the local council lack the vision to embrace this regeneration and landmark development in the borough. The future of the club within the borough is under threat if we are unable to finish our stadium. This scheme generated the finance to finally restore our stadium to a four-sided ground something that our fans have waited far too long to enjoy."
Wembley in the race
Wembley Stadium, out of action for six years now, is being considered as a potential host next year for the Race of Champions, where the world's best circuit racers and off-road car drivers compete head-to-head. The event has been held at the Stade de France since 2004, but the stadium's three-year deal with the organisers is up after this year and Fredrik Johnsson, president of the event, has visited Wembley to discuss the idea.
"As far as I am concerned it is ready to host the event," he said. "We have been in contact with a number of world-class stadiums about next year, but Wembley is a very serious option for us. Britain is building an incredible stadium with such prestige, and the fans are incredibly passionate about motor sport. The event would be a huge success if we chose Wembley."
But officials at the stadium are refusing to commit to any new events until it is finally finished having suffered the embarrassment of seeing not only a number of major football matches moved but also a series of high-profile concerts, including Robbie Williams.
Welsh eye road to Europe
Wales are to approach Uefa to discuss the possibility of Cardiff City, Swansea City and Wrexham being allowed to compete in European football again after an 11-year absence. David Collins, secretary-general of the Football Association of Wales, will approach Uefa to discuss whether Wales' leading clubs should be allowed to play in the Champions League or Uefa Cup.
Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham have been exiled from Europe since 1995 as current rules state that only teams playing within the boundaries of their national association are eligible to represent them. Therefore only sides playing within the Welsh Premier League are eligible to represent Wales.
"We are very keen on the idea and that meeting is something that has to take place soon," said Anthony Fairclough, the chief executive of Wrexham. "It is important for Wales and this club that the issue can be resolved."
