Tests on pills reportedly supplied to several...

Tests on pills reportedly supplied to several players on the Moorpark High School football team by an unpaid assistant coach indicate that they are non-narcotic, Jim Koontz a Ventura County Sheriff’s Department spokesman, said.

Analysis by the county crime laboratory showed that the pills were niacin and salt tablets. Niacin is an over-the-counter vitamin supplement.

According to police, Larry Preston, 22, of Simi Valley, reportedly distributed the pills to 11 players at several games this season. Investigators said Preston told the players only that they would help their performance.

The pill samples tested were supplied to sheriff’s investigators by Preston after Moorpark school officials called investigators Oct. 13. Preston, who was not charged, was dismissed on that date. Despite the test results, he will not be allowed to work with the team again, school officials said.