A major steroid bust in Florida may implicate players from the Washington Nationals. Former bodybuilder and personal trainer, Richard “Andy” Thomas, arrested for importing and distributing steroids, told police that he sold steroids to players on the Nationals and the National Hockey League’s Washington Capitals.
Thomas and his wife, Sandra, were both charged with ten counts of "possession with intent to distribute", ten counts of "importation," and one count of "maintaining a dwelling for drug sales." Thomas reportedly told investigators that he was the largest PED dealer in central Florida. Polk County Sheriff, Grady Judd, informed the media of Thomas’ statements, but stressed that there was not as of yet any corroboration.
"I sent a supervisor in with a detective, and [Thomas] confirmed, 'Yes, I've sold steroids to professional football, professional baseball and professional hockey players… When asked for specifics, he said the Washington Capitals and D.C. Nationals. At this point in the investigation, I have absolutely nothing to corroborate those statements."
Investigators seized over $200 000 worth of steroids and other performance enhancing drugs. But according to ESPN’s TJ Quinn, the drugs were not the type typically used by athletes under a testing program.
However, two sources indicated that the steroids seized at the Thomas house aren't the variety typically used by athletes who are subject to regular drug testing. The steroids itemized in the arrest affidavits generally stay in the system for a relatively long period of time.
"It is more the veterinary type steroids and not the nice commercially compounded stuff," one of the sources said.
The names of Thomas’ clients will likely be revealed eventually, whether by government investigators or Thomas himself.
Law enforcement officials made pains to say that they were not in a position to release names of any specific athletes that Thomas may or may not have identified. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said authorities would have a better idea about Thomas' clientele after they examine his home computer and review mountains of documents seized from the house.
In a “jailhouse interview,” Thomas told the New York Daily News that he first used steroids because he “wanted to be like Arnold (Schwarzenegger).” Thomas declined to elaborate on his statement that he supplied players on the Nationals and Capitals, but said he would tell his story when he got out of jail.
"Get me out of here and you'll get a huge story."
Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League are both investigating the matter.
"We don't know much about it, and that's why we'll look into it," said Rich Levin, MLB's vice president for public relations.
Sources
- Steroids dealer says he sold to Nationals, Capitals after Florida bustNY Daily News
- Steroid suspect Richard Thomas juiced to 'be like' Arnold SchwarzeneggerNY Daily News
- Alleged dealer boasts of pro salesESPN
- Capitals, Nats Are Named in Drug BustWashington Post
