Victor Conte, central figure in the BALCO lab steroid scandal, dies at 75

Victor Conte, Central Figure in BALCO Steroid Scandal, Dies at 75

Victor Conte, founder of Bay Area Laboratory Co-operative (BALCO), the company at the center of a major sports drug scandal, passed away at the age of 75. His family and SNAC, a sports nutrition company he led, confirmed his death. In June, it was revealed that Conte had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

“We are heartbroken by the passing of our fearless leader, SNAC mastermind, CEO, anti-doping advocate, creator of ZMA, former Tower of Power and Herbie Hancock bassist, Victor Conte,”
“SNAC and his legacy will carry forward, strong and forever. We love you, Conte!”

BALCO and the Performance-Enhancing Drug Scandal

BALCO became widely known after it was exposed in 2003 as the source of a sophisticated doping scheme involving professional athletes, including baseball stars Barry Bonds and Jason Giambi, track athlete Marion Jones, and boxers. The scandal highlighted the connection between sports and law enforcement investigations.

The Clear: A New Steroid Innovation

According to the United States Anti-Doping Agency, Conte collaborated with chemist Patrick Arnold to develop tetrahydrogestrinone, nicknamed "The Clear." This synthetic anabolic–androgenic steroid was designed to be orally active and undetectable by drug tests at the time due to its novel chemical structure.

Legacy

Victor Conte's influence in the world of sports doping remains significant, both for his role in the BALCO scandal and his advocacy in anti-doping efforts later in life.

Author’s summary: Victor Conte, BALCO founder and key figure in one of sports’ biggest doping scandals, died at 75 after battling pancreatic cancer, leaving behind a complex legacy.

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Media A Mile A Minute%2c LLC Media A Mile A Minute%2c LLC — 2025-11-05

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