Galea charges 'regrettable' says lawyer

THE Canadian doctor who treated Tiger Woods after the world No 1 tore his Achilles tendon is looking forward to responding to allegations that he unlawfully treated three National Football League players with unapproved drugs, including human growth hormone (HGH), according to his lawyer.

Brian Greenspan also said in a statement: "It is regrettable that Dr Galea, a world renowned and respected sports medicine physician, now faces these further charges.

"However, as this matter is now before the court, it is not proper to comment further."

The Canadian sports doctor was named in a criminal complaint filed in Buffalo earlier this week. He is charged with lying to federal officials, smuggling, unlawful distribution of HGH, introducing the unapproved drug actovegin into interstate commerce and conspiracy to defraud the US. The smuggling charge carries a maximum prison term of 20 years.

The Toronto doctor was charged in December by police in Canada with selling an unapproved drug and smuggling.

The football players allegedly treated by Galea were not named and the NFL said it had not been informed of their identities.

Woods has denied ever taking illegal drugs and said in April he received treatments for injuries from Galea.