Ben Johnson’s steroids supplier claims I.O.C. attempted cover-up

Press, 1 June 1989, Page 39

Ben Johnson’s steroids supplier claims I.O.C. attempted cover-up

NZPA-Reuter Toronto Ben Johnson’s steroids supplier told the government inquiry into drug use in sport this week that leaders of the International Olympic Committee considered covering up the sprinter’s positive drug test in Seoul.

Dr George Mario (Jamie) Astaphan told the inquiry that Johnson’s fate was sealed after someone at the drugtesting laboratory in Seoul leaked word that the sprinter had tested positive for steroids after winning the Olympic 100 metres. Astaphan described a scene in which he said Johnson’s coach, Charlie Francis, told him about a decision on the sprinter reached by the 1.0. C. president, Juan Antonio Samaranch, and the 1.0. C. Canadian vice-president, Richard Pound. “He (Francis) came in and he looked real disturbed ...’’

Astaphan testified. "He said: ‘We lost.’

"I said: ‘Didn't they do anything?’ He said: 'Yes, they tried.’

“I said: 'What do you mean? They couldn’t have tried hard enough.’ “He said: 'Yes, Mr Pound tried and he spoke to Mr Samaranch, who said he would have intervened with

the results had they not been leaked prematurely from the lab.’ ”

Pound later disputed any suggestion that the 1.0. C. was prepared to dismiss Johnson’s test result. "At no time was that an option that was even considered,” Pound said from his Montreal office. "The whole point of what we tried to do was to treat Johnson like any other athlete. We can’t make exception for a superstar.” In other testimony, Astaphan said that Johnson and his inner circle decided in Seoul that it would be best for the sprinter to deny ever using steroids until after the controversy over his positive drug test had died down. Johnson was stripped of his 100 metres gold medal after testing positive for the banned anabolic steroid stanozolol.

In his only public statement since the Olympics, Johnson has said he never knowingly took steroids.

Astaphan said that after Canadian team officials came to Johnson's hotel room in Seoul on September 27 to take back the gold medal, he met with Johnson, Francis and the sprinter’s American agent, Larry Heidebrecht, to discuss the best way of hand-

ling the crisis. Astaphan said they agreed that “the ultimate thing was to cover up and protect Ben.” Francis, the doctor said, was concerned for the runner’s safety. "By that time the news (of Johnson’s positive test) had broken and the whole lobby and second floor of the hotel was filled with cameras.”

They decided, under the circumstances, to get Johnson out of the country as quickly as possible, and remain silent about his steroid use for the time being. Astaphan said Johnson took part in these decisions.

“He said yes, that he would deny ever taking steroids — at least until the public furore over his disgrace had cooled,” Astaphan said. "He was quite afraid to admit it publicly.”

The doctor said the four planned to meet again after their return to Toronto to discuss a possible public admission of steroid use by Johnson and other Canadian athletes.

Their lawyers, however, urged them not to communicate with one another after returning, and the meeting never took place.