DEA investigating Chargers, Padres doctors

[June 30, 2010]  SAN DIEGO (AP) -- The Drug Enforcement Administration said Tuesday it is investigating doctors affiliated with the San Diego Chargers and Padres to verify the accuracy of controlled substance inventories, records, reports and other documents required to be kept under the Controlled Substances Act.

Agency spokeswoman Amy Roderick said 10 administrative inspection warrants were served within San Diego County, including at the offices of the Chargers and Padres, where records and inventories were checked.

There currently are no administrative charges, criminal charges or indictments pending for any of the physicians or pharmacies where the warrants were served, she said.

The Chargers recently released safety Kevin Ellison, who was arrested in May in Redondo Beach on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance. Police said a search of Ellison's vehicle turned up 100 pills of Vicodin, which is a controlled substance.

"In regards to the ongoing investigation involving Kevin Ellison, the Vicodin in Kevin's possession was not provided by the Chargers, its physicians or anyone affiliated with the team," the team said in a statement released Tuesday night.

The Chargers said they are cooperating with the investigation.

The Padres also said in a statement that they are cooperating with the DEA, and that they have been told that none of their players or front-office employees are being investigated.

[Associated Press; By BERNIE WILSON]

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