The Albany Times-Union reported that anabolic steroids were found in the system of a bodybuilder who went a bizarre and violent rampage at the Gold’s Gym in Latham in October 2011. The bodybuilder went into cardiac arrest and subsequently died after police tasered him repeatedly in an attempt to subdue the 240-pound man. The post-mortem toxicology revealed the presence of anabolic steroids in Brothers’ system. But the Times-Union conveniently forgot to mention that PCP, known colloquially as “angel dust”, was also present at the time of death.
Cecilia Logue, a spokesperson for David Soares of the Albany County District Attorney’s Office, cited the cause of death as “agitated delirium”. This condition can be caused by the use of steroids according Soares’ spokesperson.
The Times-Union article leads the reader to believe that anabolic steroids alone were responsible for the violent, uncontrollable rage exhibited by Brothers’ during the October 31st incident at Gold’s Gym.
A reader would have to be motivated to look for additional news sources to learn that steroids were not the only drug found.
FOX23 News interviewed Colonie Police Chief Steven Heider in addition to David Soares. Police Chief Heider told FOX23 News that PCP and steroids were identified in the toxicology report.
Phencyclidine (PCP) is a Schedule II Controlled Substance that is abused recreationally for its anesthetic, dissociative and hallucinogenic properties.
Anabolic steroids are a Schedule III Controlled Substance that is often used by bodybuilders to increase muscle mass. It has been linked to “roid rage” moreso in popular culture than in the scientific literature.
Most people will likely blame steroids for Chad Brothers’ “roid rage” even though PCP may be more likely to contribute to such a bizarre act of violence.
Source:
Waldman, S. (December 8, 2011). Officials: Man had steroids in system. Retrieved from http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/DA-Man-in-gym-rampage-had-steroids-in-system-2390621.php
Wells, T. (December 8, 2011). Chief: Brothers had PCP, steroids in system at time of death. Retrieved from http://www.fox23news.com/news/local/story/Chief-Brothers-was-on-PCP-steroids-at-time-of-de/
