A-Rod to be questioned in Canadian doctor probe

[March 02, 2010]  TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Yankees star Alex Rodriguez has been contacted by federal investigators regarding a Canadian doctor accused of selling an unapproved drug.

Rodriguez said Monday he was "aware" of the investigation and plans on cooperating with government officials who are looking into Dr. Anthony Galea. Rodriguez said a date for an interview has not been set.

"I can't really get into that," Rodriguez said. "I have to speak to those guys first. I've just got to wait for instructions."

Galea is facing four charges in his country related to the drug known as Actovegin, which is extracted from calf's blood and used for healing. His assistant also has been charged in the U.S. for having HGH and another drug while crossing the border in September.

A-Rod said the probe won't have an effect on him because "this is about someone else." He declined comment when asked if he has even been treated by Galea.

"I'm focused on baseball," Rodriguez said.

New York general Brian Cashman was informed of the situation Monday, and added that he has not been told about any other Yankees' players being involved.

"Not aware of any," Cashman said.

The Yankees released a statement saying they had not been contacted about the matter.

"The Yankees never authorized Dr. Tony Galea to treat Alex Rodriguez, nor do we have any knowledge of any such treatment," the statement said. "We will continue to monitor the situation."

Cashman said the Yankees have not had any dealings with Galea. He declined comment on Rodriguez's situation, saying "I don't have much to comment off of."

It had been uneventful start of the new season -- except for a minor car accident that caused no damage or injuries -- for Rodriguez.

Last year, he started spring training by addressing his use of performance-enhancing drugs and underwent right hip surgery in March that sidelined him until May 8. The third baseman then put together a 30-homer, 100-RBI season that ended with the Yankees winning their first World Series title since 2000.

Galea is known for using a blood-spinning technique -- platelet-rich plasma therapy -- designed to speed recovery from injuries. Among the athletes he has treated are golf superstar Tiger Woods and Mets shortstop Jose Reyes.

Reyes said Sunday he met with federal investigators last week.

Galea was arrested Oct. 15 after a search warrant was executed at the Institute of Sports Medicine Health and Wellness Centre near Toronto. He is charged with selling Actovegin, conspiracy to import an unapproved drug, conspiracy to export a drug and smuggling goods into Canada.

His lawyer, Brian H. Greenspan, has said his client denies any wrongdoing. Greenspan also has said Galea has used HGH himself and prescribed it to non-athlete patients over the age of 40 to improve their quality of life, but said he has never given it to athletes.

The investigation into Galea began when his assistant, who often drove for the doctor, was stopped attempting to enter the United States from Canada.

Vials and ampules containing human growth hormone and Actovegin were found in a car driven by Mary Anne Catalano, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and U.S. federal court documents.

Catalano, a Canadian, told American authorities at the border in Buffalo, N.Y., that she knew the drugs were illegal and that she was transporting them for her employer.

According to an affidavit, Catalano also told authorities that her boss instructed her to say she was coming to a medical conference if she were questioned about the purpose of her trip and also to say that none of the equipment was for treating patients.

[Associated Press]

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