In 2003, the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative (BALCO) was investigated by the Federal Government and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency for allegedly supplying steroids to professional athletes in what became known as the BALCO scandal. These investigations exposed that a significant number of professional athletes, including Major League Baseball players, had been using performance enhancing drugs like the anabolic steroids BALCO had been supplying.

We recommend that teachers and students complete the recommended background readings to help build context and understanding around the BALCO scandal and performance enhancing drug use. After completing recommended readings, students will view the videos and participate in class discussions using the prompts provided. To culminate, students will complete a rule infraction review activity in which they research a baseball-related scandal or cheating event and assess its severity.