Benoit's doctor pleads not guilty

ATLANTA (AP) -- The personal doctor to a pro wrestler who killed himself, his wife and their 7-year-old son has pleaded not guilty to a new 175-count indictment charging him with conspiracy and improperly dispensing drugs.

Dr. Phil Astin did not attend Monday's hearing in Atlanta federal court. His attorney, who entered the plea, says in a statement that Astin is not a criminal.

The May indictment replaces a seven-count indictment last July and involves 17 patients. Astin was a doctor for wrestler Chris Benoit.

Authorities say Benoit strangled his wife and son, then hanged himself in their home in June 2007. They have said Astin prescribed anabolic steroids to Benoit, but a medical examiner was unable to say if steroids played a role in the killings.