Prometheus 6

Home Run King*
Barry Bonds's indictment is only the tip of a public health issue.
Saturday, November 17, 2007; A16

THE USE OF anabolic steroids without a doctor's supervision can cause mood swings and suicidal feelings, skin disorders, stunted growth, liver damage, and heart attacks. Along with the health risks, there is the risk of going to jail. Disgraced Olympian Marion Jones found that out Oct. 5, when she pleaded guilty to three counts of lying to federal agents about her steroid use and an unrelated financial matter. Now it is baseball home run king Barry Bonds's turn to face charges of lying to a federal grand jury about his own alleged use of illegal steroids. Whether or not Mr. Bonds is convicted -- and he is entitled to a presumption of innocence -- his indictment and Ms. Jones's guilty plea send a strong and welcome signal that the federal government takes steroid abuse seriously.