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{{Short description|1988 steroid use scandal}}
In October of 1988, the American ] establishment was stunned by a lengthy ] article on ] abuse at the ]. The article, titled ''The Nightmare of Steroids''<ref></ref> and written by ] player Tommy Chaikin in collaboration with Sports Illustrated's ], detailed the widespread use of steroids in the ] at the school. Following the article, a ] ] indicted four University of South Carolina football coaches in connection with steroid distribution to players.<ref></ref> Three of the coaches pleaded guilty in ] arrangements<ref></ref> and the fourth was acquitted.<ref></ref> The article was a significant factor in the passage of the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990<ref></ref> by the ]. The University of South Carolina steroid scandal is the largest scandal involving steroid use by college athletes in American collegiate sports history.{{fact|October 1988}}
{{Doping in sport sidebar |expanded=History}}
In October 1988, '']'' published a lengthy article on alleged ] abuse in the football program at the ]. The article, titled "The Nightmare of Steroids" and written by ] player Tommy Chaikin in collaboration with ''Sports Illustrated''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s ], alleged the widespread use of steroids in the football program at the school.<ref name="nightmare">{{cite magazine
|url = http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1067916/1/index.htm
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20130102100838/http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1067916/1/index.htm
|url-status = dead
|archive-date = January 2, 2013
|title = The Nightmare Of Steroids
|access-date = 2008-08-19
|last = Chaikin
|first = Tommy
|author2=Rick Telander
|date = 1988-10-24
|magazine = Sports Illustrated
|publisher = Sports Illustrated
|author2-link = Rick Telander
}}</ref> Following the article, a ] ] four University of South Carolina football coaches in connection with steroid distribution to players.<ref name="NYTimes4" /> Three of the coaches pleaded guilty in ] arrangements<ref name="PleaBargains">{{cite news
| last = Gillespie
| first = Bob
| title = Ex-Coaches Plead Guilty - 3 Former USC Assistants Make Steroids Case Deals
| pages = 1A
| publisher = The State (Columbia, SC)
| date = 1989-06-02
}}
</ref> and the fourth was acquitted.<ref name="APacquittal">{{cite web
|url = https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=950DE3DD1F30F931A15755C0A96F948260
|title = Acquittal in Steroid Trial
|access-date = 2008-01-07
|date=1989-06-22
|work = The New York Times
}}</ref> The episode was listed among "some of college football's biggest scandals" by sports reporter Tom Weir of ].<ref name="USA Today">
{{cite conference
| first = Weir
| last = Tom
| title = A look at some of college football's biggest scandals
| publisher = USA Today
| year = 2011
| url = http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2011/08/miami-hurricanes-ncaa-scandals-football-history/1
| access-date = 2011-08-23}}</ref>


== The Article == == "The Nightmare of Steroids" ==
''The Nightmare of Steroids'' was featured in the ], ] issue of ]. The article begins with Tommy Chaikin, a defensive lineman on the ], vividly narrating his steroid-induced experiences the day before the annual ] football game in ]. In his own words, Chaikin describes himself sitting in his dorm room on the USC campus with a loaded handgun pressed to his chin. The story continues in ] fashion to describe how he had arrived at the brink of suicide, and includes other significant factors in his three year odyssey with steroids including peer pressure, the physical and mental effects of the steroids on himself and his teammates, the coaches involved, and his eventual rescue from the University by his father.<ref></ref> In the article, Chaikin alleges that half the ] was using the drugs illegally.<ref></ref> "The Nightmare of Steroids"<ref name="nightmare" /> was featured in the October 24, 1988 issue of '']''. The article begins with Tommy Chaikin, a defensive lineman on the ], vividly narrating his steroid-induced experiences the day before the annual ] football game in 1987. In his own words, Chaikin describes himself sitting in his dorm room on the USC campus with a loaded ] pressed to his chin. The story continues in ] fashion to describe how he had arrived at the brink of ], and includes other significant factors in his three-year odyssey with steroids including ], the physical and mental effects of the drugs on himself, the coaches he alleged were involved, and his eventual rescue by his father. In the article, Chaikin alleges that half the USC football team was using steroids, however this claim was never substantiated.


==Reaction==
== Federal Indictments ==
Shortly after the article ran in ], an investigation by South Carolina's Fifth Circuit Solicitor James Anders was announced. Shortly after the article ran in '']'', an investigation by South Carolina's Fifth Circuit Solicitor James Anders was announced.<ref name="GrandJury">{{cite news
| last = Cole
⚫ On ], ] a Federal grand jury indicted USC ] Tom Gadd, ] James Washburn, ] Tom Kurucz, and ] Keith Kephart in connection with steroid distribution to players. A fifth person, John Landon Carter of Bethesda, Maryland, was also charged with dispensing anabolic steriods to four former Gamecock players: Tommy Chaikin, David Poinsett, Heyward Myers and George Hyder. The indictments charged that illegal acts occurred from 1984 through December 1987. Gadd, Washburn, and Kurucz were accused of conspiring to "provide money to certain players and athletic personnel of the university for the purchasing of steroids for use by athletic personnel." The indictments stated that the three monitored training programs to enhance steroid use and "would arrange to obtain sources for the purchase of unprescribed, misbranded steroids which were thereafter utilized by football players." Kephart was charged with conspiring with other members of the USC athletic community to obtain steroids illegally across state lines, and the indictments charged that he and unidentified others "would administer the steroids to each other to improve athletic performance and to enhance physical appearance."<ref></ref> The ], Vinton D. Lide, said he would not charge players or graduate assistants with crimes because he considered them to be victims. Lide would also not respond when asked whether former Gamecock head coach ], who died of a heart attack on ], ], had any knowledge of steroid use on the team.<ref></ref>
| first = Bob
| title = Grand Jury To Study Ex-USC Player's Drug Claims
| pages = 1A
| publisher = The State (Columbia, SC)
| date = 1988-10-20
}}</ref> Based on the results of this preliminary investigation, a joint state and federal probe was announced on November 11, 1988.<ref name="Inquiry">{{cite web
|url = https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940DE7D9123AF932A25752C1A96E948260
|title = Sports People; Inquiry Planned
|access-date = 2008-12-21
|date = 1988-11-11
|work = New York Times
}}</ref> On April 19, 1989 a federal grand jury indicted USC ] Tom Gadd, ] ], ] Tom Kurucz, and strength coach Keith Kephart in connection with steroid distribution to players.<ref name="NYTimes4">{{cite web
|url = https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=950DEED6133DF933A15757C0A96F948260
|title = 4 Ex-Football Aides Indicted In South Carolina Steroid Case
|access-date = 2008-01-07
|date=1989-04-20
|work = The New York Times
⚫ }}</ref> A fifth person, John Landon Carter of Bethesda, Maryland, was also charged with dispensing anabolic steroids to four former Gamecock players: Tommy Chaikin, David Poinsett, Heyward Myers and George Hyder.<ref name="NYTimes4" /> The ]s charged that illegal acts occurred from 1984 through December 1987.<ref name="NYTimes4" /> Gadd, Washburn, and Kurucz were accused of conspiring to "provide money to certain players and athletic personnel of the university for the purchasing of steroids for use by athletic personnel."<ref name="NYTimes4" /> The indictments stated that the three monitored training programs to enhance steroid use and "would arrange to obtain sources for the purchase of unprescribed, misbranded steroids which were thereafter utilized by football players."<ref name="NYTimes4" /> Kephart was charged with conspiring with other members of the USC athletic community to obtain steroids illegally across state lines, and the indictments charged that he and unidentified others "would administer the steroids to each other to improve athletic performance and to enhance physical appearance."<ref name="NYTimes4" /> The ], Vinton D. Lide, said he would not charge players or graduate assistants with crimes because he considered them to be victims.<ref name="NYTimes4" />


==Outcome==
Following the indictments, Washburn, Kurucz, Kephart, and Carter entered into plea-bargain agreements with the ]. They were awaiting sentencing when Gadd, who elected to fight the charges, was acquitted by a ] jury on ], ]. Gadd, 42 years old at the time, could have been sentenced to up to two years in prison and fined $101,000 if convicted on all counts.<ref></ref> On ], ], the remaining four were sentenced. ] G. Ross Anderson sentenced John Carter to serve three months at a community security facility. Among the coaches, Tom Kurucz received the harshest sentence: six months in a halfway house and three years probation. James Washburn and Keith Kephart were sentenced to three months in a halfway house and given three-year probationary terms. Following the indictments, Washburn, Kurucz, Kephart, and Carter entered into plea-bargain agreements with the ].<ref name="PleaBargains" /> They were awaiting sentencing when Gadd, who elected to fight the charges, was acquitted by a ] jury on June 21, 1989.<ref name="APacquittal" /> On August 10, 1989, the remaining four were sentenced. ] G. Ross Anderson sentenced John Carter to serve three months at a community security facility.<ref name="APsentences">{{cite web
|url = https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=950DE3DA153EF932A2575BC0A96F948260
|title = Sentences in Steroid Case
|access-date = 2008-01-07
|date=1989-08-11
|work = The New York Times
}}</ref> Among the coaches, Tom Kurucz received the harshest sentence: six months in a ] and three years ].<ref name="APsentences" /> ] and Keith Kephart were sentenced to three months in a halfway house and given three-year probationary terms.<ref name="APsentences" /> The University of South Carolina received no sanctions from the ] as a result of these events.

==See also==
{{portal|College football}}
* ]
* ]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
*

{{University of South Carolina}}

]
]
]
]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 01:43, 8 September 2024

1988 steroid use scandal
Part of a series on
Doping in sport
White pillsA Hypodermic needle
Substances and types
Terminology
History
Doping-related lists
Anti-doping bodies

In October 1988, Sports Illustrated published a lengthy article on alleged steroid abuse in the football program at the University of South Carolina. The article, titled "The Nightmare of Steroids" and written by University of South Carolina football player Tommy Chaikin in collaboration with Sports Illustrated's Rick Telander, alleged the widespread use of steroids in the football program at the school. Following the article, a federal grand jury indicted four University of South Carolina football coaches in connection with steroid distribution to players. Three of the coaches pleaded guilty in plea-bargain arrangements and the fourth was acquitted. The episode was listed among "some of college football's biggest scandals" by sports reporter Tom Weir of USA Today.

"The Nightmare of Steroids"

"The Nightmare of Steroids" was featured in the October 24, 1988 issue of Sports Illustrated. The article begins with Tommy Chaikin, a defensive lineman on the University of South Carolina football team, vividly narrating his steroid-induced experiences the day before the annual South Carolina-Clemson football game in 1987. In his own words, Chaikin describes himself sitting in his dorm room on the USC campus with a loaded handgun pressed to his chin. The story continues in stream of consciousness fashion to describe how he had arrived at the brink of suicide, and includes other significant factors in his three-year odyssey with steroids including peer pressure, the physical and mental effects of the drugs on himself, the coaches he alleged were involved, and his eventual rescue by his father. In the article, Chaikin alleges that half the USC football team was using steroids, however this claim was never substantiated.

Reaction

Shortly after the article ran in Sports Illustrated, an investigation by South Carolina's Fifth Circuit Solicitor James Anders was announced. Based on the results of this preliminary investigation, a joint state and federal probe was announced on November 11, 1988. On April 19, 1989 a federal grand jury indicted USC defensive coordinator Tom Gadd, defensive line coach Jim Washburn, tight ends coach Tom Kurucz, and strength coach Keith Kephart in connection with steroid distribution to players. A fifth person, John Landon Carter of Bethesda, Maryland, was also charged with dispensing anabolic steroids to four former Gamecock players: Tommy Chaikin, David Poinsett, Heyward Myers and George Hyder. The indictments charged that illegal acts occurred from 1984 through December 1987. Gadd, Washburn, and Kurucz were accused of conspiring to "provide money to certain players and athletic personnel of the university for the purchasing of steroids for use by athletic personnel." The indictments stated that the three monitored training programs to enhance steroid use and "would arrange to obtain sources for the purchase of unprescribed, misbranded steroids which were thereafter utilized by football players." Kephart was charged with conspiring with other members of the USC athletic community to obtain steroids illegally across state lines, and the indictments charged that he and unidentified others "would administer the steroids to each other to improve athletic performance and to enhance physical appearance." The United States Attorney, Vinton D. Lide, said he would not charge players or graduate assistants with crimes because he considered them to be victims.

Outcome

Following the indictments, Washburn, Kurucz, Kephart, and Carter entered into plea-bargain agreements with the federal prosecutor. They were awaiting sentencing when Gadd, who elected to fight the charges, was acquitted by a United States District Court jury on June 21, 1989. On August 10, 1989, the remaining four were sentenced. United States District Judge G. Ross Anderson sentenced John Carter to serve three months at a community security facility. Among the coaches, Tom Kurucz received the harshest sentence: six months in a halfway house and three years probation. Jim Washburn and Keith Kephart were sentenced to three months in a halfway house and given three-year probationary terms. The University of South Carolina received no sanctions from the NCAA as a result of these events.

See also

References

  1. ^ Chaikin, Tommy; Rick Telander (1988-10-24). "The Nightmare Of Steroids". Sports Illustrated. Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on January 2, 2013. Retrieved 2008-08-19.
  2. ^ "4 Ex-Football Aides Indicted In South Carolina Steroid Case". The New York Times. 1989-04-20. Retrieved 2008-01-07.
  3. ^ Gillespie, Bob (1989-06-02). "Ex-Coaches Plead Guilty - 3 Former USC Assistants Make Steroids Case Deals". The State (Columbia, SC). pp. 1A.
  4. ^ "Acquittal in Steroid Trial". The New York Times. 1989-06-22. Retrieved 2008-01-07.
  5. Tom, Weir (2011). A look at some of college football's biggest scandals. USA Today. Retrieved 2011-08-23.
  6. Cole, Bob (1988-10-20). "Grand Jury To Study Ex-USC Player's Drug Claims". The State (Columbia, SC). pp. 1A.
  7. "Sports People; Inquiry Planned". New York Times. 1988-11-11. Retrieved 2008-12-21.
  8. ^ "Sentences in Steroid Case". The New York Times. 1989-08-11. Retrieved 2008-01-07.

External links

University of South Carolina
Located in: Columbia, South Carolina
Academics The historic Horseshoe
Athletics
Teams
Men's sports
Women's sports
Facilities
Campus
Student life
Miscellaneous
  • Founded: 1801
  • Students: 34,099
  • Endowment: $809.9 million
Categories: