News / People
Rick Ankiel Reported to Have Taken HGH
It has been reported that comeback St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Rick Ankiel was given a year supply of human growth hormones (HGH) in 2004.
The pitcher-turned-outfielder is the latest athlete to be linked to the Florida pharmacy at the centre of an investigation by the Albany County (N.Y.) district attorney's office into the illegal Internet distribution of performance-enhancing drugs.
This comes after a probe that led to the suspensions of New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison and Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson.
According to reports, Ankiel got eight shipments of human growth hormone from Signature Pharmacy in Orlando from January to December 2004, including Saizen and Genotropin, two injectable drugs.
Florida physician William Gogan signed Ankiel's prescriptions, providing them through a Palm Beach Gardens clinic called The Health and Rejuvenation Center, or THARC. The drugs were then shipped to the clinic's address for Ankiel to pick up.
Major League Baseball doesn't test for HGH, and the sport didn't ban human growth hormone until 2005. However, a player who possessed it or used it after it was banned can be suspended for 50 games.
Authorities have not accused Ankiel of any wrongdoing. According to the Signature records cited in the reports, he stopped receiving HGH just before baseball banned it in 2005.
Major League Baseball said they will look into the allegations.
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