Report: A-Rod associate in HGH probe

NEW YORK, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- A man being probed for distribution of banned substances is linked with athletes including Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees, the New York Daily News said.

Citing a law enforcement source close to the federal and state investigation, the newspaper said Saturday Anthony Bosch of Miami -- who has consulted for Rodriguez on such matters as nutrition, supplements and blood analysis -- is a focal point of the investigation into illegal distribution of human growth hormone and testosterone.

The newspaper said Bosch is linked to scores of professional athletes, including perhaps 20 active Major League Baseball players as well as players from the NFL and other professional sports.

The law enforcement sources told the newspaper the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Florida agencies are investigating Bosch for the possible illegal distribution of performance-enhancing drugs including human growth hormone and testosterone.

Major League Baseball investigators have provided federal investigators with information about Bosch and his father, Pedro Bosch, a Miami-area physician, the Daily News said.

The source said players were not a target of the investigation but could be witnesses, the newspaper reported.