Now Rodeo Bulls Face Steroid Tests

Amid scandals, bull riding seeks to prove its animal stars are clean
By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 27, 2008 7:18 AM CST
Now Rodeo Bulls Face Steroid Tests
Jared Farley of Kempsey, Australia, is thrown to the ground after riding for a full eight seconds on the bull Big Bend during the first round of the Professional Bull Riders Versus Invite, Friday, Jan. 4, 2008, at Madison Square Garden in New York. If this bull looks mean now, just imagine him on a...   (Associated Press)

Juicing isn't just for humans anymore—or at least that's the new worry on the rodeo circuit, as bulls are now being tested for steroids. To keep suspicion away from the ring, the Professional Bull Riders are beginning tests to "ensure the integrity of the sport," and first up is celebrity bronco Big Bucks, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Officials doubt doping is widespread, because it’s not brute strength, but rather the highest kicks and tightest turns that earn points for the bulls and cash for their owners. But steroids are "still an issue" says an owner of Big Bucks. He welcomes testing of his bull—and admits to having doped bulls in the past until realizing “it’s not worth it.” (More steroids stories.)

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