8/15/2009

in

Angle's troubles a familiar story in the world of wrestling.

Brian Donnelly

Professional wrester for Total Non-Stop Action (TNA) and Olympic gold medallist Kurt Angle was arrested Saturday morning in suburban Pittsburgh and charged with violating an order of protection and possession of human growth hormone, according to the Associated Press.  
  
Angle's girlfriend, who he had a fight with Friday night, attained a protection order 1½ hours prior to police arresting Angle at 7:50 a.m. in a Robinson Township strip mall. According to a police affidavit, he circled the lot starring at her inside a coffee shop. Angle told the arresting officers that he was looking for a hotel because he wasn't allowed in his home and that he hadn't noticed she was there.  
  
Inside the TNA Heavyweight Champion's car, police said they found Hygetropin, a human growth hormone, which Angle said was prescribed. He was also charged with driving with a suspended license, in addition to violating the order of protection, harassment and possession of drugs.  
  
Angle, who was scheduled to headline TNA's Hard Justice pay-per-view Sunday night, posted bail. TNA Wrestling has yet to publicly address the situation. However, it is unlikely Angle will miss the event held at Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla. A hearing on the drug and harassment charges will be held on Tuesday, a court clerk said. Another hearing on the violation of the protection order will be held on Wednesday.  
  
In addition to winning the 198-220 pound weight class championship in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Ga., Angle is a two-time NCAA Division 1 champion at Clarion University. He entered the world of professional wrestling in 1998 when he signed with World Wrestling Entertainment, formerly known as the World Wrestling Federation.  
  
Angle has a history of serious neck problems stemming from both his amateur and professional wrestling career. Angle has admitted to becoming addicted to painkillers in each instance. He left the WWE in 2006 because he claims they wouldn't allow him to take time off to go to rehab.  
  
Many inside the industry were worried about Angle's prescription drug use becoming life threatening, as it has to so many other wrestlers. When he left to go to TNA, it was viewed as a smart decision because they have a lighter travel schedule compared to the WWE, which would allow Angle to nurse injuries more appropriately.  
  
However, unlike the WWE, TNA has no wellness policy, which means wrestlers aren't tested for steroids or other illegal substances. Angle and the rest of the TNA can be seen every Thursday night on Spike TV.