According to wire reports Congress is asking major league sport leagues for information regarding their knowledge and position regarding the over-the-counter drug, ephedra. The now-legal substance is under review by Congress following Baltimore Orioles pitching prospect Steve Bechlers death in February. According to a report there was a link between Bechlers death from heat stroke and the dietary supplement. The congressional letter, which was sent to Major League Baseball the prior week, was followed this week with similar letters to National Football League, National Hockey League, National Basketball Association, Major League Soccer and NASCAR. The letter was penned by House Energy and Commerce chairman Billy Tauzin (R-La.), along with Reps. Michael Bilirakis (R-Fla.), Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) and James Greenwood (R-Pa.).( Ford Racing )(4-12-2003) UPDATE: For now, NASCAR will not join other major sports leagues in banning use of the controversial stimulant ephedra among its competitors. In a printed bulletin handed out to teams in each of NASCAR’s top three series Saturday, NASCAR advised competitors to “seek guidance from their individual physician prior to taking and supplement product labeled as containing ephedra/ephedrine.” The bulletin cited a recent government-released study that concluded supplements may increase the incidence of side effects such as heart palpitations. “NASCAR will continue to monitor reports regarding health related concerns for ephedra/ephedrine and will advise NASCAR participants as additional information becomes available,” it said.( USA Today some good related links there too)(4-12-2003)
