Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

A-Rod, feds discuss time, place to talk about HGH doctor

TAMPA, Fla. -- Alex Rodriguez may soon be talking to U.S. federal authorities, and he hopes it will happen close to spring training.

Lawyers for the Yankee slugger are setting up an interview as part of an investigation into a Canadian doctor who is the focus of a cross-border drug smuggling case involving human growth hormone.

Rodriguez said the site is under discussion but he would like it near the team's spring complex in Tampa rather than in Buffalo, N.Y., where the U.S. investigation is being conducted. He expects to soon know the interview date.

"The idea is to schedule something that allows me to co-operate and also get my work in," Rodriguez said Wednesday. "Obviously doing it here would be fantastic."

Rodriguez would not indicate if he pressed his lawyers to lock in a date, but he said they have been working on it for "maybe a few days. I don't know."

Kathleen Mehltretter, acting U.S. attorney for western New York, said it is not unusual for investigators to go to those they want to interview but declined to comment on the investigation. Maureen Dempsey, an FBI spokeswoman in Buffalo, would not comment on Rodriguez's statements, citing the investigation.

Rodriguez lawyer James Sharp did not respond to messages left by The Associated Press.

On March 1, Rodriguez said he was aware federal agents wanted to talk to him about his relationship with Dr. Anthony Galea. Galea told the AP on Monday that he helped the three-time MVP recover from a hip injury last year but prescribed only anti-inflammatories, not HGH.

Rodriguez said he is not frustrated by the wait or questions from the media because the investigation is "not about me."

-- The Associated Press

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition March 11, 2010 C2

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010; View the changes. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

Follow

  1. WFP Hockey

    Download our new hockey app for the iPhone for Winnipeg Jets updates

  2. Editor's Bulletin

    Sign up for daily bulletins from editor Margo Goodhand

  3. Winnipeg Jets

    All things NHL on our Jets landing page

  4. Twitter

    Follow our reporters and our news feeds on Twitter

  5. News Cafe

    Check out the menu, read our blog posts or get info on coming events

  6. Facebook Fanpage

    Follow our Facebook Fanpage for story links, contests and special events

letters

Make text: Larger | Smaller

Poll

Should the Bombers make a big play for Riders' receiver Andy Fantuz?

View Results

View Related Story