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Victor Conte, BALCO Doping Architect, Dies at 75

The SNAC founder leaves a polarizing record that revealed testing gaps later extending into boxing.

Overview

  • SNAC announced Conte’s death on Nov. 3 via a post on X; he had disclosed treatment for pancreatic cancer earlier this year, and no funeral details have been released.
  • Federal agents raided BALCO in 2003, and Conte pleaded guilty in 2005 to conspiracy to distribute steroids and money laundering, serving four months in federal prison.
  • BALCO distributed designer steroids known as “the cream” and “the clear,” with a syringe tip sent by coach Trevor Graham helping trigger the probe that ensnared dozens of athletes.
  • The scandal implicated stars including Barry Bonds, Jason Giambi and Marion Jones, exposing loopholes in testing and helping spur tougher oversight such as MLB’s Mitchell investigation.
  • After prison, Conte relaunched SNAC and became a prominent adviser in boxing, working with champions like Terence Crawford and Claressa Shields, as reactions to his death reflected his divisive legacy.