The general public takes comfort in blaming anabolic steroids for violent and abhorrent crimes. The media is quick to find such associations given their tendency towards steroid demonization and steroid hysteria. The latest instance involves child abuse by Anthony Badalamenti in which the perpetrator has been linked to anabolic steroids, the violent beating has been referred to as an example of roid rage, and his behavior has been compared to the Chris Benoit tragedy.
The New York Daily News reports that Anthony Badalamenti obtained anabolic steroids and human growth hormone (HGH) in 2006 from Lowen’s Pharmacy which were prescribed to him by Dr. Richard Lucente (who is under investigation for writing precriptions for performance enhancing drugs) (“Long Island bodybuilder linked to Mitchell Report pharmacy,” November 4).
“I don’t know if this was ‘roid rage, but this sure reminds me of Chris Benoit,” said the source, referring to the professional wrestler who had steroids in his system when he killed his wife and son before committing suicide in 2007.
Initial reports erroneously linked Anthony Badalamenti to “underground steroid use” based on an incident involving his use of homemade GHB to mimic steroids that resulted in chemical burns and chemical poisoning when he was 19-years old. GHB is NOT an anbolic steroid nor is it pharmacologically related in any way (“Four Are Hospitalized After Drinking Brew for Bodybuilding,” November 1, 1996).
Anthony Badalamenti, a bodybuilder and “Biggest Loser” trainer, was arrested for beating his girlfriend’s 6-year old son with a weightlifting belt for at least 20 minutes. Badalamenti was charged with second-degree assault, possession of a dangerous weapon and endangering the welfare of a child and remains in jail on $100,000 bond (“Cops: ‘Biggest Loser’ trainer beat boy with weightlifting belts,” November 3).
Anthony Badalamenti was a personal trainer at Titans Fitness and Boxing Club in Merrick, New York; he became a minor celebrity after he helped Jim Germanakos lose 186 pounds on NBC’s weight loss reality show “The Biggest Loser.” This led to various television appearances including the Tyra Banks Show. He allegedly bragged about his participation in Ultimate Fighting Championship bouts; a UFC spokesperson denied such association. Badalamenti’s organized fighting pathetically seemed to be restricted to the most vulnerable of victims.
About the author
Millard writes about anabolic steroids and performance enhancing drugs and their use and impact in sport and society. He discusses the medical and non-medical uses of anabolic-androgenic steroids while advocating a harm reduction approach to steroid education.
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