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Chargers safety arrested on drug charges By BERNIE WILSON, AP Sports Writer
SAN DIEGO - Chargers strong safety Terrence Kiel shipped at least two parcels of prescription cough syrup to Texas, DEA officials said Wednesday, a day after the player was arrested at team headquarters.
While Kiel did not tell the DEA his motive, the agency in Texas has found widespread abuse of codeine-based cough syrup mixed with soft drinks or drugs and referred to as "lean," said John S. Fernandes, the special agent in charge of the San Diego office. A pint bottle of "lean" can cost between $200 and $325 on the street, he said.
Kiel grew up in Lufkin and played at Texas A&M.
Kiel was arrested on two counts of transporting a controlled substance and three counts of possession for sale of a controlled substance. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday.
The DEA is investigating where Kiel got the cough syrup, who else may be involved and the intent.
Two federal law enforcement officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation, said quart bottles full of what appears to be prescription cough syrup were found at Kiel's house. Both officials said Kiel admitted to financial difficulties when interviewed by agents.
Kiel is making $500,000 this year, his fourth with the Chargers.
Kiel's status for Sunday's game at Baltimore was not immediately known. He was jailed Tuesday and released on bail.
Chargers general manager A.J. Smith and coach Marty Schottenheimer did not return several phone calls from The Associated Press seeking comment.
"We're aware of an off-the-field situation involving Terrence Kiel and we're monitoring the situation," the team said in a statement issued Tuesday night. "Due to the personal nature of the ongoing legal investigation, the Chargers are withholding further comment until the matter is resolved legally."
Kiel's agent, Vann McElroy, said he couldn't comment on specifics of the case.
"Terrence is a good kid. We just have to wait and see," McElroy said.
Fernandes said the two shipments Kiel admitted to sending to Texas each contained prescription cough syrup that had been repackaged in pint-sized water bottles.
On Tuesday, Kiel was called off the practice field after authorities arrived at Chargers headquarters. Kiel was taken into the locker room, detained and read his rights, Fernandes said. His locker wasn't searched, but authorities searched his car, then took him to his house to execute a search warrant.
Fernandes said codeine-based cough syrup can be used to enhance, mitigate or temper other drugs, including cocaine and PCP.
"It goes right to the heart of what really is fueling an already out-of-control, raging fire of abuse of pharmaceutical drugs," Fernandes said.
Kiel was a second-round draft pick in 2003.
Three months after being drafted, Kiel was shot three times during an attempted carjacking in Houston. Kiel returned to play in all 16 games as a rookie, including eight starts.
It was the fourth run-in with the law by a Chargers player since April.
Outside linebacker Steve Foley was shot three times outside his suburban home on Sept. 3 by an off-duty Coronado police officer who suspected him of drunk driving. Foley will miss the entire season and forfeit at least $775,000 in pay.
Foley and linebacker Shaun Phillips were each arrested for scuffling with San Diego police officers a week apart in April. Neither was charged.
SAN DIEGO - Chargers strong safety Terrence Kiel shipped at least two parcels of prescription cough syrup to Texas, DEA officials said Wednesday, a day after the player was arrested at team headquarters.
While Kiel did not tell the DEA his motive, the agency in Texas has found widespread abuse of codeine-based cough syrup mixed with soft drinks or drugs and referred to as "lean," said John S. Fernandes, the special agent in charge of the San Diego office. A pint bottle of "lean" can cost between $200 and $325 on the street, he said.
Kiel grew up in Lufkin and played at Texas A&M.
Kiel was arrested on two counts of transporting a controlled substance and three counts of possession for sale of a controlled substance. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday.
The DEA is investigating where Kiel got the cough syrup, who else may be involved and the intent.
Two federal law enforcement officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation, said quart bottles full of what appears to be prescription cough syrup were found at Kiel's house. Both officials said Kiel admitted to financial difficulties when interviewed by agents.
Kiel is making $500,000 this year, his fourth with the Chargers.
Kiel's status for Sunday's game at Baltimore was not immediately known. He was jailed Tuesday and released on bail.
Chargers general manager A.J. Smith and coach Marty Schottenheimer did not return several phone calls from The Associated Press seeking comment.
"We're aware of an off-the-field situation involving Terrence Kiel and we're monitoring the situation," the team said in a statement issued Tuesday night. "Due to the personal nature of the ongoing legal investigation, the Chargers are withholding further comment until the matter is resolved legally."
Kiel's agent, Vann McElroy, said he couldn't comment on specifics of the case.
"Terrence is a good kid. We just have to wait and see," McElroy said.
Fernandes said the two shipments Kiel admitted to sending to Texas each contained prescription cough syrup that had been repackaged in pint-sized water bottles.
On Tuesday, Kiel was called off the practice field after authorities arrived at Chargers headquarters. Kiel was taken into the locker room, detained and read his rights, Fernandes said. His locker wasn't searched, but authorities searched his car, then took him to his house to execute a search warrant.
Fernandes said codeine-based cough syrup can be used to enhance, mitigate or temper other drugs, including cocaine and PCP.
"It goes right to the heart of what really is fueling an already out-of-control, raging fire of abuse of pharmaceutical drugs," Fernandes said.
Kiel was a second-round draft pick in 2003.
Three months after being drafted, Kiel was shot three times during an attempted carjacking in Houston. Kiel returned to play in all 16 games as a rookie, including eight starts.
It was the fourth run-in with the law by a Chargers player since April.
Outside linebacker Steve Foley was shot three times outside his suburban home on Sept. 3 by an off-duty Coronado police officer who suspected him of drunk driving. Foley will miss the entire season and forfeit at least $775,000 in pay.
Foley and linebacker Shaun Phillips were each arrested for scuffling with San Diego police officers a week apart in April. Neither was charged.