State Revokes License Of Doctor Who Gave Steroids To NFL Players

May 24, 2006

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners has revoked the medical license of Dr. James Shortt two months after he pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to provide steroids for several Carolina Panthers.

The board said state law allows it to revoke a medical license when a doctor pleads guilty to a felony. The board released a three-page written decision Wednesday.

In March, Shortt pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids and human growth hormone. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to drop 42 similar counts against the doctor who used to practice in West Columbia.

Shortt is awaiting sentencing. He faces up to five years in prison, two years of probation and a $250,000 fine. Shortt, who now lives in California, remains free on bond.

Prosecutors have said current and former members of the Carolina Panthers were some of Shortt's patients.

After pleading guilty, Shortt said he wrote prescriptions and gave human growth hormone to people who wanted to gain weight or muscle.

Shortt also faces a state criminal investigation in the death of a woman who died three days after receiving intravenous hydrogen peroxide to help her multiple sclerosis.