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The Balco scandal hit the public eye in 2003. There were several top stories involving this grand scandal. Surprise of the sports industry's involvement shocked the nation. A large investigation was launched into Balco and many top sports figures were drawn out. Testament in the grand jury trial involved players like; Barry Bonds of the Giants, who was later found with steroid and human growth hormone in his system. However he denies the fact of the use. It is believed that it was given to him by his personal trainer. Also subpoenaed was Jason Giambi of the New York Yankees. The scandal even made it to the Olympic players like Marion Jones.

This scandal has brought much controversy in the field of sports. Don Hooton has connected with Major Baseball Leagues to start up programs which help young athletes to stay away from steroids. The Baseball Leagues have contributed in excess of 1 million dollar to this cause creating a program called' Hoot's Chalk Talk'.

The nation's awareness of the use of steroids have increased since this scandal began and affected the bodybuilding industry. Last month the California governor has been talking with Major Players in the industry about implementing better techniques to test its competitors. The raid on Applied Pharmacy Services in Mobile, Alabama customer lists which included names like Martinez in the 2007 Arnold Classic Champ. As well as Former heavyweight champ Evader Holyfield. Governor Schwarzenegger admitted to use of steroids in 1960's- 70's when they were legal, but has been against the use of them since.

The Balco scandal has had a major impact on students. It was found since the scandal that 3-11% of students had admitted to use of steroids. Surprisingly the use was not only in the athletes but also in girls and boys who wanted to lose pounds or get defined bodies. This has enraged parents around the world and increased awareness among schools in the nation. A promise has been made between school athletes and foundations that they must promise not to use steroids when prepping or competing.

As the scandal and investigation continues the focus has impacted every area of sports, form baseball to bodybuilding to up and coming athletes. Many organizations have started as a result of this scandal to help keep the use of steroids away form our kids and athletes. Though no one truly knows how long this will last, we still must be aware of the existence of these drugs in our children and what long term use may do to there body's.

In all this scandal as proven to be one of the biggest in our time with many lives touched. The industry has changed immensely due to this scandal and will provide many new laws that will continue for years to come. As the scandal continues to be investigated the amounts of companies grow. The children in sports or other wise have been given other alternatives to steroid use and training to work through the struggles of the sports industry.