The man who formerly claimed that he was the largest steroid distributor in central Florida pleaded guilty to one count of felony. He admitted to the charges of possession of steroids with intent to distribute. Richard Andrew Thomas of Lakeland, Fla. was arrested by authorities last year after a raid in his home revealed several anabolic steroids and other prescription drugs like Valium. Several guns were also confiscated by the raiding officers. The anabolic steroids were imported from Slovakia.

The case of Thomas became a controversial one when he boasted that he supplied steroids to several players of the Washington Capitals and Washington Nationals. An inquiry was made but the leagues did not find any evidence that will link their players to Thomas. Players also denied that they purchased anabolic steroids from the Florida supplier.

This month, Thomas received 8 months of prison term plus three years of supervised release after prison. Thomas was also required to participate in a substance abuse program and undergo mandatory drug testing upon his release. According to authorities, the maximum penalty for his offense could reach up to 5 years but the plea agreement reduced the jail term. Thomas also agreed to cooperate with the police in investigating a Chiropractor who was involved allegedly in prescribing anabolic steroids to professional athletes including the Washington Nationals and Capitals players.

Thomas helped the investigators to tape phone calls with Douglas Nagel, a Washington based chiropractor who admitted that he treated several players of Washington Capitals. Thomas alleged that he supplied steroids to Nagel in several occasions. However, Nagel categorically denied that he prescribed illicit drugs to these players. Some of the players who availed the services of the chiropractor include Eric Fehr, Shaone Morrisonn and Matt Bradley. These players also denied that they received anabolic steroids from the doctor.

Nagel was also arrested by deputies from the Polk County in Florida and charged him with 7 counts of solicitation to deliver a controlled substance and a 1 count of conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance. He is expected to appear in the pre-trial this month.

Both the Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League conducted their own investigation on the alleged involved of their players with Thomas and Dr Nagel. Although they have not found any proof that these players used steroids, many are still suspicious. There are already many baseball players and other professional athletes who turn to chiropractors to help them recover from injuries. Most of the times the treatment includes the use of steroids.

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