Cubs' Byrd Trusts Former Steroid Distributor Conte
Updated 02/16/11 - 3:06 p.m.
MESA, Ariz. (CBS) -- Chicago Cubs center fielder Marlon Byrd is defending his relationship with Victor Conte, whose Bay Area Lab Co-operative triggered a federal investigation of steroids use and distribution to athletes.
As CBS 2's Megan Mawicke reports, Byrd showed up early to camp Wednesday and addressed why he is risking his reputation to get an edge.
Byrd, a first time All-Star last season, is a big believer in Conte, who is the convicted BALCO steroid dealer. Byrd said he isn't afraid that he is the only major leaguer currently working with Conte.
Byrd reiterated his trust in Conte, the BALCO founder, and said that's why he's still working with a man who served jail time for steroids distribution.
"He is who he is. Mr. BALCO – that is the past. I wasn't part of BALCO," Byrd said. "You have to understand how supplements work. They don't make you Superman. Steroids make you Superman."
Byrd has been getting supplements from Conte for four years, but it just became news again because of a recent HBO special. Byrd says the supplements he uses are all clean and he checks with the league before he takes it.
"It's simple. You just send it in to MLB. Everything you take you send in to them (MLB) and they can say yes or no," said Byrd. He added, "I get tested and MLB knows they can test guys randomly anytime they want. I don't have any worries. I don't think MLB has any worries. Victor's name is what it is but at some point everyone is going to have move on."
Byrd and Conte were featured in a recent segment of HBO's "Real Sports." And when the Cubs' lone All-Star from last season reported to spring training Wednesday, he repeated his belief in Conte.
Byrd acknowledged in 2009, when he was with the Texas Rangers, that he was receiving supplements from Conte's new company. He said he's used Conte's expertise in supplements to make sure he doesn't take something on baseball's banned list.
But his teammates have been curious asking him about what he takes. Byrd also understands all of the risks and scrutiny that comes along with his choice.
"My teammates always ask me what I do, what I take. I break it down and tell them but again there is an association. If you're scared of don't' be a part of it," said Byrd.
"If you don't know much about it I've learned then you shouldn't say too much about you. I trust Marlon and he has given me every reason to trust him especially the way he played last year. He's a grown up and he can take care of his own business. I am not worried about it," said Cubs Manager Mike Quade.
Byrd said the Cubs were aware he worked with Conte when they signed him. MLB officials reportedly are still scratching their heads about why Byrd is tempting fate and working with Conte.
The bottom line: Byrd has never failed a drug test and he deserves some credit for being completely honest and open about all of this from the start.
BALCO was at the center of a federal grand jury investigation of performance-enhancing drugs that has led to several athletes being indicted, including Barry Bonds. Conte pleaded guilty to steroid distribution and money laundering in July 2005 and served four months in prison.
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