We previously noted that the San Diego Union-Tribune has assembled a comprehensive list of current and former NFL players who have been tied to performance-enhancing drugs.
Many of the players on the full list are well known for their exploits on the gridiron, but one name will be more familiar to fans of mixed martial arts than to fans of football: Bob Sapp, who as an offensive lineman for the Minnesota Vikings in 1998 was suspended for four games for violating the NFL's policy on steroids and related substances.
Sapp quit football and went into kickboxing and MMA in Japan, where he became one of the biggest stars in a country that celebrates fights that American fans would view as freak shows. (A picture from one such freak show is above.)
The presence of Sapp on the list of athletes tied to performance-enhancing drugs is a reminder that while the UFC and other MMA promotions in the United States have worked with state athletic commissions to implement drug testing, Japanese MMA doesn't have the same standards.
Links to Performance-Enhancing Drugs
Chargers star Shawne Merriman, who tested positive for nandrolone in 2006, is just one of many, many NFL players who have been linked to steroids and related substances throughout history. According to a new investigation by the San Diego Union-Tribune, there are at least 185 NFL players since 1962 who can be tied to performance-enhancing drugs. Click through to see 29 other notable names that were listed in the report.
Chris Park, AP
Ryan Tucker, Browns, 2007: The offensive lineman was suspended four games for violating the steroid policy, but claimed he only took a banned substance to increase his testosterone and improve his mental health.
Scott Boehm, Getty Images
Todd Steussie, Panthers, 2004: The offensive lineman was given prescriptions for banned substances shortly before the Super Bowl in 2004 and reportedly filled prescriptions for steroids at a South Carolina pharmacy.
George Gojkovich, Getty Images
Todd Sauerbrun, Broncos, 2006: The punter was suspended four games for a positive ephedra test, and reportedly had steroid prescriptions filled by South Carolina steroid doctor while with the Panthers.
Greg Trott, Getty Images
Nelson Munsey, Colts, 1970s: When Munsey sued the NFL retirement plan in 2000, the complaint said he used steroids and amphetamines "consistent with the common usage of such drugs in professional football at that time."
Manny Rubio, NFL
Travis Henry, Bills, 2001: Like many others, the running back admitted he used ephedra before it was banned from the league.
eorge Gojkovich, Getty Images
Tony Mandarich, Packers, 1980s-1990s: According to a report in Sports Illustrated, the NFL bust allegedly confessed to others that he used steroids, but Mandarich denied it.
Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images
Ray Buchanan, Falcons, 2002: The one-time Pro Bowler was suspended four games for violating steroid-related policy.
Elsa, Getty Images
Luke Petitgout, Bucs, 2008: Petitgout was suspended four games for violating steroid-related policy.
Getty Images
Shaun Rogers, Lions, 2006: The defensive tackle was suspended four games for violating steroid-related policy. Rogers claimed it was ephedrine in an appetite suppressant he took.
Duane Burleson, AP
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