December 17, 1999: Phoenix Suns forward Tom Gugliotta suffered a nearly-fatal seizure on the team bus after a game in Portland and was hospitalized in serious condition. The Suns' team doctor said Gugliotta told him he had taken a supplement containing GBL because he had been having trouble sleeping. The FDA's Office of Criminal Investigations had already recorded 116 arrests, 55 convictions, and 38 indictments related to GBL and was actively scanning the Internet and searching retail shelves to close down sales by "opportunists."

October 3, 1999: Nicole Pekarick died from regular use of Renewtrient, according to testimony of her mother before an FDA panel. In October of 1998, the honors college student and varsity athletic team captain began using this "muscle supplement" at her boyfriend's recommendation. Information on the Internet suggested she could drink it before bedtime and wake up in only four hours, feeling refreshed, rested, and ready for another...