Bodybuilder Calls Steroids Part of the Game
Aug. 17, 2005 -- -- A Washington bodybuilder accused of possessing more than 40,000 doses of steroids said he had the drug for his own use, and claimed that he has to take steroids to compete on the professional circuit.
"That's the only way to level the playing field," Jeff Bell, a professional bodybuilder who was arrested Friday on charges of possessing steroids and planning to sell them, told ABC News affiliate KOMO-TV in Seattle. "And if you're not using and others are, they're going to have that advantage."
Thurston County Sheriff's detectives said they found both pills and liquid steroids, along with injection needles, and after consulting with both a pharmacist and a veterinarian, detectives estimated they had found more than 40,000 doses.
"Obviously the amount that this particular suspect had is far beyond what the average person would have," Sheriff's Captain Brad Watkins told KOMO-TV.
It's the biggest steroid bust ever made in Thurston County -- worth more than $1.5 million on the street, he said.
At first, Bell was reluctant to talk about his arrest, saying he didn't know if his attorney would approve. He later told KOMO-TV openly that he uses steroids, and believes there is nothing wrong with using the drug as long as people are careful.
He said he is a professional consultant who's taken numerous bodybuilders to competition wins. When asked about the health risks of steroids, he answered, "Before I take on any client, they have to go and get a physical and blood work done both before and after."
He also said he wouldn't work with anyone under the age of 18, "because of the simple fact once you're 18, you're an adult, you can make your own decisions. Before that I won't work with them."
Bell said he doesn't give steroids to any of his clients.
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