The high-ranking NYPD cop who was caught abusing steroids is facing a 30-day suspension and a year of probation. Deputy Chief Michael Marino, 52, second in command of Patrol Borough Brooklyn North, was among two dozen cops who were caught buying steroids and HGH from Lowen's Compounding Pharmacy in Brooklyn in 2007. Marino maintains that he had a prescription for HGH, and that it was medically necessary, but an administrative trial judge disagreed. The ultimate decision on Marino's punishment will go to Dunkin' Donuts-loving Police Chief Ray Kelly.
Marino, a 32-year NYPD vet, has also been identified as one of the central figures in Officer Adrian Schoolcraft's lawsuit with the city. Schoolcraft accused commanding officers of massively under-reporting crime stats earlier this year, and is suing the NYPD for trying to discredit and silence him by throwing him in a psych ward unwillingly. Marino was one of the officers who showed up at his house and took him by force to the hospital. The suit claims Chief Marino placed his boot on Officer Schoolcraft’s head as he was pinned down and said, “It didn’t have to be like this.”
Marino may only be facing a month's suspension, but Roger Clemens will pay a much steeper price if he is found guilty of lying under oath about using HGH. Today, his lawyer tried to persuade a judge to throw out the defamation lawsuit filed by his former personal trainer, Brian McNamee. McNamee has accused Clemens of a calculated campaign to destroy his reputation. If Clemens and Marino really want to help clean up their images, they really should attend an anti-steroid fundraiser, just like A-Rod!
