Bob Williams, an assistant with the Nike Oregon Project in 2004 and 2005, strongly defended Alberto Salazar and Galen Rupp on Sunday.

Salazar and Rupp were the subject of doping allegations last week made in a story by ProPublica, a nonprofit website specializing in investigative journalism, and in a story and documentary by the BBC. Salazar and Rupp have strongly denied the allegations.

Williams said he never witnessed use of performance-enhancing drugs during his tenure with the Oregon Project.

"Absolutely not," Williams said. "And we were privy to everything as coaches."

Williams said there were regular coaches meetings in which training, recovery and supplements were discussed.

Former Oregon Project assistant Steve Magness told ProPublica and the BBC that he discovered documentation of testosterone use by Rupp as far back as high school, a period that overlaps Williams' time with the Oregon Project.

Williams noted that Rupp's parents are medical professionals.

"Galen's parents never would have allowed him to do anything like that, and Al wouldn't have done it surreptitiously," Williams said.

In a written explanation that Salazar provided ProPublica, he said the documentation Magness saw was for a legal nutritional supplement called "Testoboost," and that Rupp has disclosed his use of it to the U.S. Anti-Doping Authority whenever applicable.

Salazar wrote that Rupp took it to counterbalance side effects of prednisone, which Rupp sometimes took to treat his asthma.

Williams said he knew that Rupp sometimes took prednisone.

"He was under a medical doctor's guidance," Williams said. "It would have been the smart thing for his asthma."

Williams called Salazar "one of the smartest distance coaches in the world," and said Salazar understands exercise physiology and utilizes advanced training methods and proper recovery to maximize the benefits of training while minimizing the risk of injury.

Bob Williams conducts a track workout in 2003.

He said Salazar and Oregon Project strength and conditioning coach Dave McHenry are pioneers in training safely and legally.

"I don't think Galen would do anything that would besmirch his reputation, and neither would Alberto," Williams said. "It's just not worth the risk. Alberto doesn't need to do it with drugs."

Williams said he hopes Salazar comes forward with evidence to refute the accusations.

"This has to be cleared up," Williams said.

Williams is a former distance runner at the University of Oregon, and has coached in the Portland area for a number years.

He served as a volunteer mid-distance coach for Portland State in 2015.

"I feel bad for Alberto," Williams said. "And I really I feel bad for Galen. Galen is a wonderful guy who works really hard, and his reputation has been besmirched."

-- Ken Goe

kgoe@oregonian.com

503-221-8040 | @KenGoe