With the release of the Mitchell Report last Thursday, everyone was awaiting the words of the players who were named in the report. I think we all knew there would be some admissions and a lot of denials about their alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs.
The biggest name in the Mitchell Report was Roger Clemens. When the report came out, Clemens’ lawyer, Rusty Hardin, issued a statement saying that Roger had never used steroids or HGH. And on Tuesday afternoon, Clemens issued a statement through his agent Randy Hendricks.
“I want to state clearly and without qualification: I did not take steroids, human growth hormone or any other banned substances at any time in my baseball career or, in fact, my entire life. Those substances represent a dangerous and destructive shortcut that no athlete should ever take.”
“I am disappointed that my 25 years in public life have apparently not earned me the benefit of the doubt, but I understand that Senator Mitchell’s report has raised many serious questions. I plan to publicly answer all of those questions at the appropriate time in the appropriate way. I only ask that in the meantime people not rush to judgment.”
With his BFF, Andy Pettitte already admitting he used HGH twice, and the two of them being training partners as well, you have to wonder if Clemens really did it. Normally, people are innocent until proven guilty but with this situation, the media and most people are saying he’s guilty.
Obviously most clubs were cognizant of the fact that there would be free agents on the list and already one player named on the Mitchell Report has signed a deal for next season. Gary Bennett, who admitted he used HGH, was signed to one-year deal by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
To me this makes the Mitchell Report a joke.
Fernando Viña, currently an analyst for ESPN, admitted he used HGH but denied ever using steroids. He was interviewed recently by Bob Ley.
Brian Roberts, who was named in the Mitchell Report by Larry Bigbie, also admitted he tried steroids, once. I think most everybody was surprised by his admission given the fact alot if us thought it was hearsay.
“In 2003, when I took one shot of steroids, I immediately realized that this was not what I stood for or anything that I wanted to continue doing. I never used steroids, human growth hormone or any other performance-enhancing drugs prior to or since that single incident.”
“I can honestly say before God, myself, my family and all of my fans, that steroids or any performance-enhancing drugs have never had any effect on what I have worked so hard to accomplish in the game of baseball.”
“I am very sorry and I deeply regret ever making that terrible decision. My only hope and prayer is that the Orioles, my family, friends and fans that have supported me so faithfully will forgive me.”
“I have worked very hard to develop a good reputation both on and off the field. I have always taken pride in being a man of integrity and values. I know that by being a professional athlete, I am held to a very high standard. I never have and never will take that for granted. However, I am also human and I have made mistakes.”
Given the plight of the Baltimore sports scene lately, I am sure the city is in an uproar right now.
Paul Byrd recently met with MLB officials about his HGH use. He has admitted using the banned substance but under a doctor’s orders.
Brendan Donnelly, most recently of the Boston Red Sox, also denied using steroids.
“In 2004, I was having multiple health issues and was concerned about not getting on the field fast enough. I made a phone call to (Kirk) Radomski about a substance called Anavar. Once I learned Anavar was classified as a steroid I realized that was not an option. That was the end of it. Yes, I called him. But I did not purchase or receive anything from him and have never taken Deca or Anavar. I fully support the current drug testing program put in place by Major League Baseball and agree with their efforts to widen the testing.â€
While Mitchell recommended giving everyone a free pass, Bud Selig did say that he would review each case and decide on punishment, if any at all. Well, it seems like he is going after 14 players. The players are the ones who allegedly committed violations after 2004. The players are Rondell White, Larry Bigbie, Ron Villone, Ryan Franklin, Cody McKay, Stephen Randolph, Jerry Hairston Jr., Paul Lo Duca, Bart Miadich, Eric Gagne, Matt Herges, Brendan Donnelly, Howie Clark and Nook Logan.
Jay Gibbons has already been suspended 15 games and has chosen not to appeal his suspension. Jose Guillen was also suspended for 15 games and decided to appeal his suspension.
Lastly, MLB will be back in front of Congress again on January 15th and January 23rd. It’s quite possible that some of the players whose names appear in the Mitchell Report could be subpoenaed to testify as well. Obviously Mitchell will be there as well.
I am sure neither MLB nor the MLBPA want Congress getting involved in fighting the problem with performance-enhancing drugs.
I have said this before. If your name was in the report, either come out and admit that you did it or take legal action to clear your name. If you come out and deny it and then later on are found guilty or caught, you are going to look like a bigger jackass than you do now.
