Several Washington Capitals players were interviewed by police Tuesday after a Reston doctor who claims ties with the team was arrested in connection with a sprawling steroid probe.
Fifty-year-old Douglas O. Nagel was charged with seven counts of conspiring to distribute steroids as part of a probe that began with the arrest of a Florida man named Richard “Andy” Thomas, who once boasted of selling the bodybuilding drugs to D.C.-area professional hockey and baseball players.
Two detectives from Polk County, Fla., visited the Capitals’ practice facility to question hockey players who had sought treatment from Nagel, a chiropractor who has described himself as “chiropractor to the Capitals.” The team trainer told investigators that he had referred players to Nagel for back and neck problems. Nagel’s office sits several floors below the Capitals’ offices and practice facility at the Ballston Common Mall in Arlington.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd declined to name the players who sought treatment by Nagel.
“The nexus is between Nagel, Thomas and illegal steroids,” Judd said. “At this point in the investigation, our office does not have any conclusive proof that any Washington Capitals players bought or received any illegal drugs.”
Capitals officials said Nagel was not affiliated with the team. The NHL and the team investigated Thomas’ claims, and team officials said they were satisfied that there was no link of steroid use by Capitals players.
In a span of a year, authorities said Nagel purchased seven packages of anabolic steroids and human growth hormone from Thomas. Thomas claimed Nagel told him he sold steroids to professional athletes, including members of the Washington Capitals NHL team.
Nagel, a bodybuilder, told investigators that the drugs were for personal use, Judd said. “We know better than that,” Judd said. “You don’t order 14 ounces for personal consumption.”
Nagel was arrested at his home by U.S. marshals and the sheriff’s deputies. Nagel allowed the investigators to search his home. Judd did not know if investigators found any evidence to support their case.
Nagel’s wife said in a brief phone interview with the Associated Press that her husband did not sell steroids.
Thomas faces up to five years in prison. A sentencing hearing for Thomas has been set for March 31.
