Report said player was a client from 2007-09
The Canadian doctor charged with illegally providing human growth hormone to NFL players counted a current Redskin among his clients, according to a report in the New York Times.
In fact, the doctor, Anthony Galea, and an assistant were on the way to Washington in September to treat the client when he was arrested. A car belonging to the assistant, Mary Anne Catalano, contained human growth hormone, Actovegin — a drug made from calves’ blood — syringes and a centrifuge.
The player, referred to only as Athlete A, has been interviewed by federal agents. Twenty-two other athletes reportedly also were being treated by Galea. The Redskin was treated on a weekly basis from 2007-09, according to the federal criminal complaint. Only 16 current players have been on the roster since 2007.
The report also stated that the player told authorities he did not knowingly use HGH and was only receiving a medical procedure from Galea. Catalano told investigators, after initially claiming she was meeting Galea at a medical conference, that the doctor was going to perform a medical procedure on a professional football player in Washington.
The Redskins did not comment, referring questions to the NFL league office, which released a statement on the situation.
Whoever the player is would face punishment by the NFL, likely a four-game suspension.
“This is an ongoing federal investigation and we have not been informed of the identity of these players,” the statement said. “We obviously have a very strong interest in learning who these players are and about their involvement with any prohibited substances so that we can enforce our policies. When we have had evidence of illegal purchase, possession, or use of HGH, we have imposed discipline and are fully prepared to do so again if the facts support it.”
The NFL currently does not test for HGH, which is said to increase muscle size and strength. HGH also produces lean body mass and allows for less recovery time between workouts.
The statement also said this case “highlights the need for enhanced testing.” The NFL would like it to be included in the next collective bargaining agreement.
Galea has been previously linked to superstar athletes Tiger Woods and Alex Rodriguez.
Redskins defensive end/linebacker Jeremy Jarmon tweeted Tuesday, “Crazy to think that one of the biggest faces of the league will be tied to Galea.” The tweet was later deleted.
