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Cops question Ronaldo regarding transvestites

SAO PAULO, Brazil -- Soccer star Ronaldo was questioned by police early Monday after a run-in with Brazilian transvestites in a Rio de Janeiro motel.

Ronaldo accused one of the transvestites of trying to extort him, police inspector Carlos Augusto Nogueira said Monday night.

Nogueira said the altercation began when Ronaldo found out he was dealing with transvestites instead of women. The inspector said Ronaldo admitted he knew they were prostitutes when they met earlier Sunday night but did not realize they were transvestites until they got to the motel.

"He admitted to everything, he wanted to have fun," Nogueira said. "But he committed no crime at all, it was immoral at best."

Prostitution is not illegal in Brazil.

The AC Milan striker told police he offered to pay the transvestites anyway, but before he left one of them allegedly asked for $30,000 to hide the story from the media.

Nogueira said he believed Ronaldo's version because the transvestite decided to leave the police station even before being fully questioned by authorities.

The transvestite also accused Ronaldo of asking him to buy drugs.

In a statement to TV Globo, Ronaldo reiterated he was a victim of extortion and denied he has ever used drugs.

Ronaldo and the transvestites were only questioned by police and voluntarily went to the police station.

Ronaldo is in Rio de Janeiro recovering from surgery on his left knee. He said Sunday he could be back in action in six months if his recovery continues to go as planned.

Ronaldo has won two World Cups with Brazil, including the 2002 title in which he scored eight goals, including two in the final against Germany.

A message to Ronaldo's spokesman was not immediately answered Monday.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=530065&cc=5901

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"He admitted to everything, he wanted to have fun," Nogueira said. "But he committed no crime at all, it was immoral at best."

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