Pharmacist accused of helping former Steelers doc distribute steroids sentenced to 2 years

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A pharmacist will serve more than two years behind bars after pleading guilty to charges that he helped a former Pittsburgh Steelers team doctor illegally distribute anabolic steroids.

The pharmacist, 46-year-old William Sadowski, pleaded guilty in November. A federal judge in Pittsburgh sentenced him Tuesday to two and a half years in prison.

Sadowski has acknowledged helping Dr. Richard Rydze illegally distribute the body-building substances and other drugs.

Rydze has denied wrongdoing, pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial in the alleged steroids conspiracy that began a few months after the Steelers cut Rydze from their medical staff in 2007. The team and Rydze have both previously said he didn't supply steroids to Steelers players.

Federal sentencing guidelines suggest Sadowski faces about three years in prison, though the judge is not bound by those guidelines.

WPXI