“Nothing is more important to me than the integrity of the game of baseball. For a substantial period of time, there has been significant public speculation concerning allegations that a number of Major League players were associated with the Bay Area Laboratory Cooperative (BALCO) and used steroids and other illegal performance enhancing drugs. That speculation was originally fueled by the testimony of players before a federal grand jury investigating BALCO and by an alleged relationship between certain players and BALCO defendant, Greg Anderson. A recent book has amplified the allegations and raises ethical issues that must be confronted head-on.” Read the Commissioner's full statement »

Allan H. (Bud) Selig
Baseball Commissioner

 Photo of Senator Mitchell and Allan H. (Bud) Selig

Photo: Bryan Bedder, Getty Images Sport

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Statement of Senator Mitchell

March 30, 2006

I accept the responsibility placed on me by the Commissioner in full recognition of the seriousness of the many issues raised by the task. The allegations arising out of the BALCO investigation or otherwise that Major League players have used steroids and other illegal performance-enhancing drugs have caused fans and observers to question the integrity of play at the highest level of our national game. These allegations require close scrutiny. At the same time, the individuals who are alleged to have used these illegal substances are entitled to a deliberate and unbiased examination of the facts that will comport with basic American values of fairness

I invite those who believe they have information relating to the use of steroids and other illegal performance enhancing drugs by Major League baseball players to come forward with that information so that it might be considered in the context of all of the evidence. I further request full cooperation from all those we contact who might have relevant information.

Read Senator Mitchell's full statement »

Press Conference

March 30, 2006

On March 30, 2006, Commissioner Allan H. Selig announced that he had asked Senator George Mitchell, chairman of the law firm DLA Piper, to lead an independent investigation into the alleged illegal use of steroids and other performance enhancing drugs by players in Major League Baseball.

Read the statements by Commissioner Selig and Senator Mitchell from the March 30, 2006 press conference.