Sapp's Named Surfaces in Balco Case

From the International Herald Tribune's coverage of former Olympic cyclist Tammy Thomas's perjury trial:

Novitzky said 30 athletes were called to testify before the grand jury in 2003. Novitzky didn't identify any of the athletes, but testified there was "some evidence" that professional wrestler Bob Sapp — who briefly played in the NFL — bought steroids from Arnold.

Jeff Novitzky is the lead investigator in the U.S. government's steroid distribution probe. Patrick Arnold is the chemist who pleaded guilty to creating the designer steroids that Thomas and Barry Bonds are accused of taking.

Japan Update: Debut Disappointing for Dream; Successful Debut for WVR

According to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dream drew 14,700 fans and did an 8.9 rating on the TBS network for its 3/15 debut show built around the return of Mirko Cro Cop. That number is considered very disappointing in the Japanese television climate. The broadcast peaked with a 12.7 rating for Cro Cop's match with unknown Tatsuya Mizuno. Dream is currently the only promotion in the country with prime time television.

World Victory Road drew nearly 13,000 fans to its debut show on 3/5 which was considered a success, especially on a Wednesday night. The event featured Hidehiko Yoshida and Takanori Gomi in their first fights since the death of Pride. Gomi is believed to be earning approximately $190,000 per fight with Yoshida likely earning more than that according to Dave Meltzer. Without television, it remains to be seen how long the company can continue its ambitious plans producing frequent and expensive shows.

New Players, Familiar Faces

Several new players, with familiar faces, have either talked about or announced MMA plans in the last month. Some of the efforts look/have the potential to be more formidable than others. A quick rundown:

• YAMMA PIT FIGHTING - is Bob Meyrowtiz's long rumored project. Promises a new fighting surface with a focus on tournaments and "masters" fights. Seems ten years too late and ten times over the top.
  
• GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS - is reportedly exploring the space. Could be a major player thanks to its close ties to HBO and the sports establishment.
  
• AFFLICTION - the owners of the clothing line are reportedly in the process of putting together a promotion. Shot an Affliction "advertising campaign" featuring a Couture-Fedor stare down that resulted in a subsequent sponsorship ban by the UFC.
  
• DREAM - will replace Heros as K-1's MMA brand. Is a joint effort between K-1 and the former Dream Stage Entertainment staff that was ultimately laid off following Zuffa's purchcase of Pride. Looks like Japan's new premier MMA brand, however, the market's glory days appear to be behind it.
  
• WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT - Perhaps the most interesting of the potential entrants. Had discussions about acquiring Pride last year and has came up as a potential buyer of the UFC in the Zuffa sale rumors. Dave Meltzer reported in this week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the company has recently started another round of information gathering on the MMA industry.