Victor Conte, the controversial figure behind one of sports’ biggest steroid scandals, passed away on November 3 at the age of 75. His company, Scientific Nutrition for Advanced Conditioning (SNAC), announced his death via social media. Conte had been battling pancreatic cancer this year. His death marks the end of a life defined by both significant achievements and profound controversies.
Victor Conte’s Legacy
Conte’s legacy is intricately tied to the BALCO scandal of the early 2000s. In 2003, federal agents raided his business and home, launching an investigation into steroid distribution. Accused of supplying drugs to elite athletes including Barry Bonds and Marion Jones, Conte pled guilty to conspiracy and money laundering in 2005. He served a four-month sentence at a federal prison in California.
Return to the Spotlight
After BALCO’s closure, Conte founded SNAC, promoting natural supplements. He later returned to the sports world as a boxing adviser, collaborating with champions like Terence Crawford and Claressa Shields. Conte described his boxing clients as part of a “red-light district,” reflecting his complex relationship with sports.
- Key Athletes Associated with Conte:
- Barry Bonds
- Marion Jones
- Terence Crawford
- Claressa Shields
Contentious Figure in Sports
Conte was known for his combative nature. He faced skepticism from those like Jeff Novitzky, the IRS agent who investigated him. Novitzky stated, “He’ll take any publicity as long as his name is in the lights.” Conte’s controversial past often overshadowed his later career, leading him to plead for understanding of his journey.
Musical and Personal Reflections
Born on January 10, 1950, in Fresno, California, Conte initially gained fame as a musician with the band Tower of Power. Over time, his focus shifted to enhancing athletic performance, culminating in the creation of BALCO in 1984. He later expressed regret for the impact of his actions on his family, admitting, “I was a horrible father.”
Despite the stigma surrounding the BALCO incident, Conte claimed that the attention actually boosted his new enterprise. He maintained a lavish lifestyle, even referencing his fortune in light-hearted remarks to the media.
Final Days and Continuing Influence
Conte’s health deteriorated in 2023 due to pancreatic cancer. Despite his condition, he continued to support athletes, stating Terence Crawford was the “most scientifically prepared boxer in the world.” He expressed his determination to watch Crawford’s highly anticipated fight against Canelo Alvarez on September 11, even from his hospital bed.
The details surrounding contingencies for his memorial services remain undisclosed. Victor Conte’s complex legacy will likely continue to provoke discussion within the realm of sports long after his passing.
