District Attorney Says Garrett Reid Had Steroids In Vials
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – When Eagles coach Andy Reid's son Garrett was found dead on August 5th, he was in possession of 19 vials of unknown substances, 47 syringes and 64 needles. On Monday, Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli spoke regarding the Reid case and what was contained in those vials.
Morganelli said that the vials contained four different types of steroids, all described as "strong." One vial was liquid testosterone. Morganelli said that they have not been able to find the source of the heroin or steroids.
Morganelli said his office did not have evidence that Garrett was distributing steroids. He also added that the possession of the steroids were not related to his death.
Morganelli closed his statements by saying that neither the NFL nor the Eagles have been in contact with his office regarding the steroids.
Andy Reid released a statement Monday that read:
"As you all know, my son Garrett battled addiction for many years. While there were some victories along the way, it ultimately was a battle that he lost and that cost him his life. Our family feels the pain of that loss every day.
"Today's report saddens me greatly, but only confirms the troubles Garrett encountered in the final years of his life. As parents, we were encouraged by his apparent progress but, like many addicts, he was able to conceal the signs of relapse.
"Jeffrey Lurie, the Eagles organization and the people of Philadelphia have been remarkably supportive of my family throughout our ordeal. I am confident that my son's decisions did not affect our football team in any way. I cannot apologize enough for any adverse appearances that my son's actions may have for an organization and a community that has been nothing but supportive of our family."
Eagles chairman Jeffrey Lurie released the following statement:
"The news today on Garrett Reid's possession of steroids is disappointing. It's clear the conduct in which he apparently engaged runs counter to the values and principles mandated for everyone associated with our organization. We have spoken with the league office and have pledged our full cooperation with their requests should there be any. While we remained saddened by the tragic end of a young man's life and know how hard this must be for the entire Reid family, we are extremely confident that Garrett's actions were unknown to those around him and did not involve our football team.
"The NFL has a rigorous drug testing program for its players. It is a matter of record that none of our players has tested positive for any of the steroids mentioned in the district attorney's report."
Morganelli said the Lehigh University Police Department has closed its investigation into the death of Garrett Reid.
Garrett Reid was found dead the morning of August 5th in his room at the Eagles' training camp at Lehigh University. He was 29.
The police chief at Lehigh, Edward Shupp, said a 911 call was made at 7:20 a.m., and that Garrett Reid was deceased upon a policeman's arrival at the campus dormitory. Police said there was no evidence of foul play.
Garrett Reid, who dealt with years of drug-related issues, had rebounded from his troubled past and was assisting the Eagles' strength coaches at camp. He and his brother Britt were arrested on drug charges after two separate traffic accidents in 2007. Garrett Reid was imprisoned off and on through 2009 (see related story).
