SAN JOSE, Calif., June 16 (UPI) -- The apparent target of an investigation of drug use by elite U.S. athletes has offered to tell all, provided President Bush help him cut a plea deal.
Victor Conte, the man at the center of California's Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative steroid scandal, offered disclosures on athletes, coaches and officials so the United States could send a drug-free team to the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, the Washington Post reported Wednesday.
In exchange, Conte wants Bush's help in his plea bargain negotiations with federal prosecutors in San Jose.
Conte and a business partner were indicted on federal steroid distribution charges in February along with Greg Anderson, Barry Bonds's personal trainer, and Remi Korchemny, a track and field coach.
Talks between Conte and federal prosecutors have collapsed and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency has failed to get Conte's cooperation as it tries to ban drug-using athletes from the Aug. 13-29 Summer Games.
The agency notified four U.S. track and field athletes of potential violations last week and is investigating other athletes, including superstar sprinter Marion Jones.
