DEA searches offices of San Diego Chargers and Padres
Drug Enforcement Administration agents in San Diego searched the headquarters of the Chargers and Padres on Tuesday as part of a countywide drug-related investigation.
The agents served 10 search warrants on physicians and pharmacies affiliated with the two teams, authorities said.
The agents were checking the records of controlled substances, which physicians and pharmacies are required to maintain under law, according to federal authorities.
There are currently no criminal or administrative charges, but the investigation is ongoing, said Amy Roderick, DEA spokeswoman in San Diego.
News of the investigation comes on the heels of the Chargers cutting former USC safety Kevin Ellison last week, a month after he was arrested when police found him with 100 pills of Vicodin. His agent later said Ellison had expected the pills to last through the season and used them to deal with pain associated with a surgical procedure.
Ellison was signed by the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday, where he was reunited with Coach Pete Carroll.
Although the DEA made no mention of Ellison in its news release on the search warrants, the Chargers mentioned him in a team statement reading: “The San Diego Chargers were made aware today of an administrative inspection by the Drug Enforcement Administration and have cooperated fully.
“In regards to the ongoing investigation involving Kevin Ellison, the Vicodin in Kevin’s possession was not provided by the Chargers, its physicians or anyone affiliated with the team.”
The Padres said in a statement that team officials are “fully cooperating with the DEA and have been advised that none of our players is the subject of this investigation.”
The attorney for Chargers physician Dr. David Chao, Jim Godes, told the San Diego Union-Tribune: “I can say for certain we’re confident they’re going to rule out any problems involving Dr. Chao or the Chargers.”
— Sam Farmer
ETC.
Modano, Dallas part ways after 20 seasons
Dallas Stars center Mike Modano said he was “disappointed and upset” that the organization won’t offer him a contract for next season and he’s leaning toward joining another team. General Manager Joe Nieuwendyk, Modano’s teammate-turned-boss, said the Stars would not offer Modano a contract for what would have been his 21st season with the team.
Nieuwendyk says the team needs to clear the way for younger players after Dallas missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time since moving from Minnesota in 1993.
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Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson was arrested Tuesday and charged with misdemeanor assault for allegedly punching an Austin, Texas, bar employee in the face nearly a month ago.
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Houston Rockets center Yao Ming said that he has picked up his option for next season, the last year of his five-year contract. Yao sat out last season after reconstructive foot surgery.
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Jesus Padilla scored in the 12th minute to give Chivas USA a 1-0 victory over the Austin Aztex in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup tournament at Cal State Fullerton. Chivas USA advanced to the quarterfinals against the Houston Dynamo next Tuesday.
The Galaxy also reached the quarterfinals, beating AC St. Louis, 2-0, at the Home Depot Center. Chris Klein and Juninho scored in the second half. The Galaxy will play July 7 against either the Portland Timbers or the Seattle Sounders.
The Galaxy will also play Spanish soccer power Real Madrid at the Rose Bowl on Aug. 7, replacing a previously scheduled friendly match between the Galaxy and Inter Milan.