50 Cent and Mary J. Blige mentioned in steroid investigation

Reports mention entertainers 50 Cent and Mary J. Blige among other celebrities as part of steroid investigation in New York.

50 Cent and Mary J. Blige mentioned in steroid investigation Singer Mary J. Blige and rapper 50 Cent were among a list of celebrities mentioned in a steroid investigation, according to the The Times Union of Albany report. Timbaland, Wyclef Jean and Tyler Perry were also mentioned in the reports as possible recipients of steroids or human growth hormones as part of a roids investigation being conducted by the Albany County district attorney, P. David Soares. The months-long investigation is looking into illegal prescribing of steroids and human growth hormones by doctors, without even seeing the patients they are prescribing the substances to, as well as clinics and other distributors of the drugs.

None of the celebrities mentioned have been accused of breaking the law. Citing information from witnesses cooperating in the investigation, The Times Union of Albany says that drugs were shipped to celebrities, sometimes under pseudonyms, at their homes, studios and hotels and through the Clay Fitness Club and Spa on West 14th Street in Manhattan and the director of its anti-aging and longevity program, Dr. Michael Diamond, a chiropractor from Long Island. According to the paper, records showed that prescriptions have been filed for Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent and other celebrities, and were signed by Dr. Gary Brandwein, an osteopath from Florida. He has been charged with felony drug violations in the Albany investigation and has pleaded not guilty. Brandwein is the same doctor, who is accused of prescribing the steroids to pro-wrestler Chris Benoit, who killed his wife, son and himself last year. So far, 10 defendants have pleaded guilty and some professional athletes have been linked to the probe in news reports.

Earlier today, Mary J. Blige, through her spokesman Karynne Tencer, denied ever taking any performance-enhancement drugs. Ms. Tencer added that Ms. Blige had not taken any anti-aging steroids either. The rest of the celebrities mentioned in the report have not commented yet.

Published on 01/14/2008