The Belleville Knights are at the center of controversy again.  Last month they were accused of racism, this month it’s the hottest topic in all of baseball, STEROIDS.

Several sources have confirmed that traffic court testimony has been leaked implicating Knights owner, Keith Lauf in a performance enhancing drug ring. 

According to the information obtained, Lauf was pulled over for making an illegal right turn in a shady neighborhood in New Orleans.  Being the stickler for rules that he is, Lauf decided to fight the ticket in front of a judge stating that the “no right turn” sign was still knocked down from the hurricane.  In doing so it gave time for the prosecution to build a case against him.

 The FBI has been involved in operation “Small Balls” a sting operation at a local, very popular fitness club, where Lauf is a member. Surveillance tapes from the sting shows Lauf leaving the fitness center minutes before being pulled over by the NOPD. Once the authorities put two and two together the prosecutors knew they had to do more investigating.

Police found no evidence of any enhancing drugs in his car, but in today’s world of guilty until proven innocent, the rumor mills are having a time like a kid collecting balls at the homerun derby.

“I have nothing to hide.  The gentleman at the heart of the FBI’s investigation has been a long time friend of mine from my hockey days.  He gave me a cream to use on my skin, it’s to help with wrinkles, I passed it on to one of my players, that’s all.  He’s done nothing, I’ve done nothing, the truth will come forth in the end”, Lauf said in a teleconference call with beat writers.

“His team has the largest lead I have ever seen and its just 1 month into the season, he’s up to something”, one owner said.  The owner is referring to the Knights lead, of a whopping 15 games on the next two teams in the division.  The team also had the 3^rd most RBI’s in an RP to open the season with 103.  “His team could beat some NFL teams in football, its just ridicules”.

The judge has since thrown out the ticket against Lauf, but the FBI has said, while no charges have been levied against Mr. Lauf, Operation “Small Balls” is ongoing and there will be no further comment until it’s completion. 

Commissioner Chris Mongogna’s office released the following statement:  “We will not tolerate use of any illegal drugs of any kind.  We pride ourselves on putting a great product on the field, but there are parameters that EVERYONE must follow.  Keith is a personal friend of mine and he gave me his word there is nothing going on”.

As a reporter dealing with the everyday goings on of this league, steroids are not the only thing this league needs to investigate.  There are acts of gambling, extortion, money laundering and racketeering that are so prevalent, Stevie Wonder could see them.  People in glass houses should not start a rock fight.