The sports doctor who treated NFL stars and world No.1 golfer Tiger Woods has been charged with the unlawful distribution of human growth hormone (HGH) and lying to federal officials.
Charges against Canadian physician Dr Anthony Galea have been filed in Buffalo, New York, and include lying to federal officials, smuggling, unlawful distribution of HGH, introducing the unapproved drug actovegin into interstate commerce and conspiracy to defraud the United States
Galea, who has been under investigation for eight months, has treated Woods, along with players from the NFL and MLB in America, but is not licensed to practice medicine in the United States.
The smuggling charge carries a maximum prison term of 20 years, while the others rate at between three and five years.
Woods has admitted being treated by the Toronto doctor during his injury problems, but has denied ever taking illegal drugs.
The charges also allege that Galea unlawfully treated three NFL players, who have not been named, with the government's supporting affidavit saying one of these players received growth hormone after finishing his career.
"We have been in touch with law enforcement and will continue to cooperate with the federal authorities as the case moves forward," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told Reuters.
"We obviously have a very strong interest in learning who these players are and about their involvement with any prohibited substances so that we can enforce our policies."
Galea, who is known for using blood-spinning techniques to aid quicker recovery from injury, has allegedly been tracked travelling to various American cities to treat sports stars in hotels or at their homes while not being authorised to work in the States.
The doctor's Canadian lawyer Brian Greenspan said that his client looked forward to having the chance to officially respond to the allegations.
"It is regrettable that Dr. Galea, a world renowned and respected sports medicine physician, now faces these further charges," said Greenspan.
"However, as this matter is now before the court, it is not proper to comment further."