50 Cent, Mary J. Blige, Wyclef Jean And Timbaland Named In Steroids Probe

01/14/08 6:30pm

Allegations of steroid and human growth hormone (HGH) use by baseball stars such as Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens have been making headlines in the sports pages for quite a while, but now an investigation has also implicated 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige, Wyclef Jean and Timbaland.

While none of those four will ever need to bulk up to take a run at the all-time home run record or win 300 games, the investigation by Albany County district attorney P. David Soares in New York alleges that they may be interested in steroids and HGH for their anti-aging effects.

While representatives for Fiddy, Jean and Timbaland haven't commented on the allegations, Blige spokesperson Karynne Tencer told the New York Daily News that "Mary J. Blige has never taken any performance-enhancing illegal steroids." She added that the singer hadn't taken anti-aging steroids either.

None of the celebrities have been accused of breaking the law, as the probe is primarily aimed at coming down on doctors who illegally prescribe steroids and HGH without seeing patients, as well as on anti-aging clinics, pharmacies and other distributors that supply them. The inquiry has led to investigations of suppliers in New York, Florida and Texas. Ten people have pleaded guilty to various charges thus far.

Unnamed witnesses have told The Times Union newspaper that HGH and steroids were shipped to the celebrities (who sometimes used false names) at hotels, studios, private residences, New York City's Clay Gym and the Long Island, New York office of chiropractor Michael Diamond. The Times Union claims that it has also obtained records showing that entertainers have received prescriptions signed by Florida osteopath Dr. Gary Brandwein, who was named last year as the person who prescribed steroids to professional wrestler Chris Benoit, who killed his wife, son and himself. Brandwein is awaiting trial in Albany on felony drug charges.

The investigation has also exposed alleged steroid use by other wrestlers, NFL players, prominent bodybuilders, police officers, prison guards and people with ties to high school and university wrestling programs.