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Evander Holyfield named in new US steroid scandal

Naomi Loomis, pharmacist and owner of Signature Compounding Pharmacy in Orlando, Florida, is taken away in handcuffs after being arrested on Tuesday in a multi-agency raid of the drug company. Federal and state narcotics agents seized drugs and documents and arrested at least four people on Tuesday in an investigation into illicit steroid sales over the Internet. PHOTO: AP

News of a US steroid scandal sparked denials from those linked to an alleged Internet steroid distribution scheme that has resulted in four arrests and the seizure of records from a Florida pharmacy.

Authorities said the customer list for performance-enhancing drugs uncovered by the investigation included some Major League Baseball and National Football League players and former heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield.

Pat English, lawyer for Holyfield promotion company Main Events, told the New York Daily News the accusation was "bullshit."

"I've known Evander 20-something years. And by the way, he has been regularly tested [for steroids] when he fights in Vegas," he said.

Holyfield has not fought in Las Vegas since Nov. 4, 2003, when he lost to James Toney.

He will continue a comeback bid on March 17 in Texas.

Investigators want to know why Richard Rydze, a Pittsburgh Steelers team physician for 21 years, spent US$150,000 on testosterone and human growth hormone with the Internet dealers.

Rydze, a platform diving silver medalist at the 1972 Olympics, told Sports Illustrated he bought the substances for elderly patients and not any members of the American football team owned by the Rooney family.

"The Rooneys are aware that I do this," Rydze said. "They have my trust I would never do this with an athlete."

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Gary Matthews Jr, an alleged customer of the scheme, had little comment to make on Wednesday prior to a team pre-season workout.

"Until we get more information I can't comment on it," Matthews said. "I ask that you respect my position. I don't want to be a distraction to the team. At the appropriate time I will comment on it."

In the wake of the BALCO steroid scandal, the latest revelations about an alleged distribution ring adds to the notion of widespread dope cheating in US sports even as league commissioners have convinced US lawmakers that they can patrol their own people despite the major conflict of interest over the huge profits involved.

Also named as a customer was retired baseball slugger Jose Canseco, an admitted steroid user who wrote a book on baseball doping. Robert Saunooke, Canseco's agent, told the News he doubted Canseco ordered drugs online.
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