Ex-Coaches Plead Innocent in Drug Case : Accused in Probe of Alleged Steroid Use by S. Carolina Athletes

Four former South Carolina football coaches were arraigned today on charges stemming from a probe of alleged steroid use at the university and illegal distribution of the drug statewide.

The four men, who were indicted April 19 by a federal grand jury, pleaded innocent to the charges. U.S. Magistrate Charles Gambrell granted $10,000 unsecured bond each and said the men, none of whom live in South Carolina, will be allowed to leave the state.

Former Gamecocks coaches Jim Washburn, Tom Gadd and Tom Kurucz were indicted by the grand jury for “conspiring to conduct a program of illegal steroid use by members of the athletic community . . . particularly by members of the university’s football team.” Former players and coaches allegedly used steroids, according to the indictment.

Washburn, Gadd and Kurucz were also charged with importing steroids into the state and dispensing the drugs without a prescription. Kurucz is also charged with lying to the grand jury.

Former Gamecocks strength coach Keith Kephart was charged with conspiring with others in the university’s “athletic community” to bring steroids into the state and dispense them without prescriptions.

Kephart declined comment after the court hearing. Before his arraignment, he said he would not discuss the case until it was settled.

“Obviously, it’s been trying,” he said. “That’s why I’m anxious to get it settled.”

John Carter of Bethesda, Md., was indicted on charges he distributed steroids to four former Gamecocks’ players, including Tommy Chaikin. He was scheduled to be arraigned later today.

It was Chaikin’s article in Sports Illustrated on Oct. 24 detailing alleged steroid and drug use by football players that prompted the grand jury probe.

A trial date has tentatively been set for June 6.