FanHouse DanaStubblefield

After former NFL player Dana Stubblefield pleaded guilty to lying to investigators about his own steroid use last year, he began cooperating with prosecutors, naming names of fellow players, agents and trainers who were involved with steroids. As a result, prosecutors are recommending that Stubblefield get off with probation when he is sentenced Friday afternoon.

Stubblefield, who played defensive tackle from 1993 to 2003 with the 49ers, Redskins and Raiders, was involved in the BALCO scandal and is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susan Illston, the same judge who is presiding over the Barry Bonds case.

Former San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins and Oakland Raiders defensive lineman Dana Stubblefield is expected to plead guilty today to lying to investigators in the Balco case, the San Jose Mercury News is reporting.

Stubblefield, a three-time Pro Bowler who was named defensive player of the year in 1997, is facing felony charges of lying to federal agents about using performance-enhancing drugs that he got from Balco.

It is not known whether Stubblefield will have to spend time in prison, or whether he will cooperate with authorities investigating other professional athletes. So far four people -- Marion Jones, Greg Anderson, Victor Conte and Patrick Arnold -- have been sentenced to prison for their roles in the Balco investigation. Former track coach Trevor Graham and cyclist Tammy Thomas are awaiting trial in the Balco case. The government's highest-profile target in the case is Barry Bonds.

The NFL suspended Stubblefield for four games in 2003 after he tested positive for the Balco-produced steroid THG, also known as "The Clear."