Spring Training normally inspires images of hopeful young athletes looking forward to a promising season. Instead, we recently saw 23-year-old pitcher Steve Bechler carried off the field during a Baltimore Orioles training session. He died the next day and, instead of words about his promising start with Baltimore's farm team in Ottawa, reporters speculated on the role ephedra may have played in his death.

In Rochester, New York, where General Code is located, we were particularly struck by this tragic news. Steve had been a 2002 member of our community-owned Rochester Red Wings baseball team and one of the few highlights in a dismal season. In June he'd pitched seven scoreless innings, in July he pitched a shutout and in August, his mastery on the mound ended the Red Wing's longest losing streak. In Rochester, he was a hero. We were deeply saddened by his death.

Steve may have been taking a dietary supplement containing ephedra, a stimulant popular among athletes because it suppresses fatigue, aids weight loss and boosts performance. Currently, ephedra is a legal, over-the-counter medication, despite being a primary factor in heart attacks, strokes and heart arrhythmias suffered by those who have used it.

Overseeing Steve Bechler's case, Broward County Medical Examiner, Dr. Joshua Perper, has asked Major League Baseball and other athletic groups to ban ephedra use. According to the Public Citizen Health Research Group, more than 100 deaths have been associated with supplements containing ephedra, including 30 in the military. Ephedra is also used in youth-oriented Rave Clubs where it is often referred to as 'Herbal Ecstasy.'

In light of weak federal restrictions, a few states have already outlawed the sale of ephedra products to minors. Recently, municipalities have also enacted legislation. Focusing on restricting the sale of products containing ephedra to minors, the legislation states that ephedra products may not be sold or advertised in the vicinity of schools, parks and playgrounds.

We sincerely hope that heightened awareness of the dangers associated with ephedra products will prevent future deaths. If you are interested in learning more about ephedra or the legislation that has been enacted to restrict its use, please view our legislation samples section.

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