The Toronto-based physician, Dr Antony Galea, known for treating Tiger Woods, has been charged with supplying illegal drugs to athletes.

The doctor has been accused of giving unlawful drugs, including human growth hormone (HGH), to at least three US professional football players.

Tiger Woods has denied taking any performance-enhancing drugs, saying the only treatments he received in five meetings with the doctor were for blood spinning – where a person’s own blood is placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the red blood cells. The platelets would then be injected into the injured area on the athlete.

Woods has recently suffered from an inflamed facet joint injury, which could explain his reasons for visiting Galea and receiving the blood spinning action.

This news comes on the back of other issues Tiger has faced in recent months, including his extra marital reports and his struggle to hold onto the number one spot.

The world number one recently touched on his injury problem, saying: “I’m trying everything I can to get back as soon as I can.”

Yet with the scandal relating to Dr Galea, and the suggestions that Woods may have received unlawful treatment, more unhealthy debate surrounding the 34-year-old golfer may continue.

Where next?

Tiger Woods: Fit for Open Championship
Tour news: BMW PGA Championship live blog
Equipment: Gear focus: Irons