Reports: Feds wants to talk to Mets CF Beltran about doctor accused of selling unapproved drug

Reports: Feds want to talk to Beltran about doctor

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Federal investigators want to talk to Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran about a Canadian doctor accused of selling an unapproved drug, according to multiple reports Tuesday.

The Daily News of New York, citing a source close to the investigation, was the first to report authorities were interested in speaking with Beltran, who has been rehabbing this spring after right knee surgery and hasn’t been seen much in the Mets’ locker room.

Dr. Anthony Galea is facing four charges in his country related to the drug known as Actovegin, which is extracted from calf’s blood and used for healing. His assistant also has been charged in the U.S. for having HGH and another drug while crossing the border in September.

Investigators talked to Mets shortstop Jose Reyes last week and New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez said Monday that he had been contacted about the probe.

Galea is known for using a blood-spinning technique — platelet-rich plasma therapy — designed to speed recovery from injuries. Among the athletes he has treated are golfer Tiger Woods and swimmer Dara Torres.

A five-time All-Star, Beltran missed 2½ months last season with a painful bone bruise on his right knee. The switch-hitter is entering the sixth season of a $119 million, seven-year contract.

Beltran got into a squabble with the Mets in January when he had his knee surgically repaired in Colorado. The club said he didn’t have its consent for the operation while Beltran and his agent, Scott Boras, said it was approved and contended the Mets asked for a delay only after surgery had started.

Reyes confirmed Sunday that he had met with investigators. The shortstop, who missed much of last year with an injured right leg, said everything was OK because he didn’t do anything wrong, and he just told the investigators on Thursday about the treatment he received from Galea last year.

Rodriguez said Monday he was “aware” of the investigation and plans to cooperate with the government. Rodriguez said a date for an interview has not been set.

“I can’t really get into that,” Rodriguez said. “I have to speak to those guys first. I’ve just got to wait for instructions.”

He declined comment when asked if he has been treated by Galea.

Galea was arrested Oct. 15 after a search warrant was executed at the Institute of Sports Medicine Health and Wellness Centre near Toronto. He is charged with selling Actovegin, conspiracy to import an unapproved drug, conspiracy to export a drug and smuggling goods into Canada.

His lawyer, Brian H. Greenspan, has said his client denies any wrongdoing. Greenspan also has said Galea has used HGH himself and prescribed it to non-athlete patients over the age of 40 to improve their quality of life, but said he has never given it to athletes.