Anthony Galea, Doctor to Tiger Woods and A-Rod, Accused of Illegally Treating NFL Players, HGH Involved
BUFFALO, New York (CBS/AP) Canadian doctor Anthony Galea, who has treated Tiger Woods, Alex Rodriguez, and other high-profile athletes, faces U.S. government charges of smuggling and unlawfully distributing human growth hormone, or HGH.
A federal complaint filed Tuesday in Buffalo also charges the 50-year-old doctor with lying to federal officials, introducing the unapproved drug actovegin into interstate commerce, and conspiracy to defraud the United States. Galea is accused of providing HGH to one former NFL football player.
According to ESPN, Galea's assistant was found in September 2009 with human growth hormone and Actovegin - a drug that is illegal in the US - in his bag at the US-Canada border.
Actovegin is a deritative of calf's blood used to speed healing.
Court documents say Galea's clients include at least three current or ex-NFL players. One allegedly had two HGH kits delivered to his home while another allegedly received actovegin injections.
No athletes were named.
Authorities said Dr. Galea is not authorized to work in the U.S., and is accused of repeatedly entering the country from 2007 to 2009 to treat major league baseball players, NFL football players, and pro golfers.
Galea's lawyer was in court and not immediately available to comment.
The smuggling charge is said to carry up to a 20-year prison term. According to CBS affiliate WIVB, the charge of introducing an unapproved drug into interstate commerce carries a maximum of three years in prison. The alleged false statements made to federal officials, HGH and conspiracy charges carry a maximum of five years.