We grow 'em tough here in Fresno.
We surely do.

Former Fresnan Victor Conte admits he was scared out of his gourd during the first 36 hours at his four-month federal sentence at the C.I. Taft Prison Camp near Bakersfield.

But, after that, he tells ESPN.com's Patrick Hruby, he was coaching fellow inmates and enjoying life in "a sports paradise" with a ton of athletic equipment -- but no guard towers or walls.

Click here to read the sprawling profile of Conte, the central figure in the biggest doping scandal in sports history. Conte, by the way, is living large and luxurious, and raking in tons of money with his latest generation of legal dietary supplements.

Here's one example of Conte's uncanny ability to cash in on his law-breaking and notoriety: When the scandal broke, Conte immediately purchased online ads that ensured every search for "BALCO" or "Victor Conte" produced a link to purchase his over-the-counter supplements.

He grew up in Fresno. That makes him a survivor. What else is there to say?

Maybe this. Conte, the former bassist for Tower of Power, is talking about making music again.

I smell a cover of the O'Jays' "For the Love of Money" in his future.

Former clients might suggest that he learn "Back Stabbers" first.