Bo Knows Steroids?

A California newspaper recently ran an article quoting a nutritional expert. The quote was as follows: "Bo Jackson lost his hip because of anabolic use." The supposed source of the quotation, Ellen Coleman, denies every saying anything about Bo Jackson and, as proof, pointed to a taped copy of her speech the quote was supposedly taken from. Jackson has filed a defamation lawsuit against the newspaper.

It's possible Jackson used steroids. He was so far above and beyond every other athlete of his time that if his hip hadn't been injured he could suit up today and be an All-Star. Baseball and football. Players of the late 80's and early 90's will tell you Jackson was the best athlete ever. Every one of them seems to have a Bo Jackson story to tell. The sound of the bat when he made contact with a baseball was like nothing else. His somersault run during his Heisman season at Auburn is legendary. During his famous catch in center field he ran no less than four steps while actually up against the wall. He was the most impressive thing to hit the sports world since...maybe ever. No kidding. The only reason he isn't still held in such high esteem is because his career was so short. Otherwise, there would be no debate over who gets the "greatest athlete ever" title. It would be Jackson, hands down.

So some people might see this newspaper report and automatically assume he was juiced. I don't believe it. Maybe it's blissful ignorance, but I think Jackson was clean. First of all, his heyday was before steroids hit the scene will full force. He became a nationally recognized two-sport athlete in the mid-80's. And he was always the best. He always had the talent. He didn't put on 40 unexplainable pounds in a short period of time. His stats didn't skyrocket, they simply remained great. Also, when he found out about the allegations, he immediately filed suit.

He said, "If anyone wants to check into my medical past, go get blood tests, go check up on those blood tests, and see if there was anabolic steroids in it. You're more than welcome. I'm not going to sit here and say, 'Maybe I did or maybe I didn't.' I didn't. Never did. Never had to."

And I believe him. Oh, and just in case you're wondering, Jackson keeps himself busy these days talking to kids about health and nutrition issues.

I think I've made my point. Bo doesn't know 'roids.