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CNN World Report

Dutch Soccer Players Test Positive for Steroids

Aired May 27, 2001 - 14:38   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
SHIHAB RATTANSI, CNN ANCHOR: Two famous Dutch soccer players are said to tested positive for a steroid called nandrolone. The players have denied intentionally taking the drug, and their teammates support them.

As RNTV reports, the players are blaming their diet for the presence of the drug.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEROEN BAAN, RNTV REPORTER (voice-over): Within two weeks, two of the most famous Dutch soccer players were accused of using an illegal substance called nandrolone, that boosts the development of muscles. Edgar Davids and Frank de Boer, two cornerstones of the Dutch national soccer team, both denied the allegations, and most of their colleagues spoke in defense for the two troubled players.

BONAVENTURA KALOU, DUTCH NATIONAL SOCCER TEAM (through translator): I feel for them. A soccer player is not a doctor. We just like to play, and don't always realize the consequences of some the things we take.

BAAN: In both cases, the allegations came after doping tests that are performed right after most soccer games. As these tests usually don't lie, the question remains whether the accused players took nandrolone on purpose. Both soccer stars claim that the illegal substance was part of a special nutrition supplement, without their knowledge.

TOINE VAN GOLDBERG, SOCCER TRAINER: I don't think these players used doping on purpose. An athlete is always busy trying to strengthen his muscles. Nutrition supplements are a popular way to do this, but they are not always safe.

BAAN: According to a spokesman of the Netherlands Center for Doping Affairs, athletes should be extremely careful with the use of nutrition supplements. In most cases, it's unclear whether these preparations contain substances that occur on doping lists.

ROBBERT VAN KLIJ, CENTER FOR DOPING AFFAIRS: I think every athlete and medical staff should be very aware of the menu. A lot of regular food contain substances that are on the doping list, but those substances aren't always written on the cover or the back of a can. We shall see to it that this will change. BAAN: For Davids and de Doer, a second test still can prove their innocence. At the same time, a discussion whether nandrolone should be taking off all doping lists until it's clear in what different ways this substance can appear in an athlete's body.

Jeroen Baan, Radio Netherlands Television, for CNN WORLD REPORT.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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