Chargers safety admits to shipping codeine

Chargers strong safety Terrence Kiel admitted to shipping at least two parcels of prescription cough syrup to Texas, Drug Enforcement Administration officials said Wednesday, one day after the player was arrested at team headquarters.\nWhile 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.\nKiel grew up in Lufkin, Texas, and played at Texas A&M.\nKiel was arrested on two counts of transporting a controlled substance and three counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell. He is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday.\nThe DEA is investigating where Kiel got the cough syrup, who else might be involved and the intent.\nTwo 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.\nKiel is making $500,000 this year, his fourth with the Chargers.\nKiel's status for Sunday's game at Baltimore was not immediately known. He was jailed Tuesday and released on bail.\nChargers general manager A.J. Smith and coach Marty Schottenheimer did not return several phone calls from The Associated Press seeking comment.\n"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."\nKiel's agent Vann McElroy said he couldn't comment on specifics of the case.\n"Terrence is a good kid. We just have to wait and see," McElroy said.\nFernandes said the two shipments Kiel admitted to sending to Texas each contained prescription cough syrup that had been repackaged in pint-sized water bottles.\nOn 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.\nFernandes said codeine-based cough syrup can be used to enhance, mitigate or temper other drugs, including cocaine and PCP.\n"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.\nKiel was a second-round draft pick in 2003.\nThree months after being drafted, Kiel was shot three times during an attempted carjacking in Houston. He returned to play as a rookie in all 16 games, including eight starts.\nIt was the fourth run-in with the law by a Chargers player since April.\nOutside linebacker Steve Foley was shot three times outside his suburban home 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.\nFoley and linebacker Shaun Phillips were each arrested for scuffling with San Diego police officers a week apart in April. Neither was charged.