Late wrestler’s doctor to change plea in drug case

A court order shows that the personal doctor to a pro wrestler who killed himself, his wife and their 7-year-old son is scheduled to change his plea in a drug case against him.

Dr. Phil Astin pleaded not guilty in June to a 175-count indictment charging him with conspiracy and improperly dispensing drugs. His change of plea hearing is set for Jan. 29.

Reached at his home late Friday, Astin said “I really don’t have any comment and I haven’t talked to my lawyer in a few days.”

The indictment against Astin involves 17 patients. He was a doctor for World Wrestling Entertainment’s Chris Benoit.

Authorities say Benoit strangled his wife and son, then hanged himself in their home in June 2007. They’ve said Astin prescribed him anabolic steroids. A medical examiner couldn’t say whether steroids played a role.

Staff Writer Andria Simmons contributed to this report.