June 28, 2007

McMahon Defends WWE

WWE founder Vince McMahon defends steroid-testing policy on NBC's The Today Show.

By Shirley Brady

WWE founder Vince McMahon appeared on NBC's The Today Show this morning to address wrestler Chris Benoit's murder-suicide tragedy. McMahon, whose wrestling franchises RAW and ECW are top-rated series on NBC siblings USA and SCI FI, admitted that steroids couldn't be ruled out until post-mortem tests are completed, but reiterated WWE's stance that steroid-fueled dementia (or "roid rage") was not a factor.

"Obviously, this is not an act of rage, it's an act of deliberation," McMahon told Meredith Viera. "It's all speculation until the toxicology reports come back." Expressing concern about a "rush to judgment," McMahon also discussed WWE's corporate wellness policy, implemented in Feb. 2006, which introduced the random drug testing that Benoit last took (and passed) in April. "There was no way to tell this man was a monster," McMahon added. "He was a mild-mannered individual." [AOL Sports | WrestleMag]

WWE attorney Jerry McDevitt told the Associated Press yesterday Benoit and his wife had argued recently over caring for their 7-year-old son, Daniel, who had a rare medical condition called fragile X syndrome. "I think it's fair to say that the subject of caring for that child was part of what made their relationship complicated and difficult. ... We do know it was a source of stress and consternation," McDevitt said.

Nancy Benoit had wanted her husband to spend less time touring with WWE so he could help her with their son's care; they also argued over Daniel's schooling, and apparently injected the boy with human growth hormone because of his small size.

Investigators are also questioning whether Benoit used a chokehold to asphyxiate his son ("It's a process of elimination," Atlanta DA Scott Ballard said yesterday, noting Daniel's lack of bruise marks on his neck).

WWE shares, meanwhile, dropped 3% in the 48 hours after the Benoit family tragedy was made public. [AP | People | New York Post]

Related stories:

• WWE Releases Benoit Text Messages

• WWE Refutes Benoit "Roid Rage" Claims