Roger Clemens, one of professional baseball's most durable and successful pitchers, is among six players allegedly linked to performance-enhancing drugs by a former teammate, The Times has learned. The names had been blacked out in an affidavit filed in federal court.I don't think I've ever heard Pettitte mentioned regarding PEDs before. Intersting that the bit about Clemens mentions "athletic performance-enhancing drug" and not "anabolic steroids". HGH is not an anabolic steroid.
Others whose identities had been concealed include Clemens' fellow Houston Astros pitcher Andy Pettitte and former American League most valuable player Miguel Tejada of the Baltimore Orioles.
The discovery ends four months of speculation surrounding the possible identities of Major League Baseball figures whose names were redacted from the search warrant affidavit filed in Phoenix on May 31. The document was based on statements allegedly made to federal agents by pitcher Jason Grimsley, who has since retired. ...
According to the affidavit, Grimsley told investigators that Clemens "used athletic performance-enhancing drugs." He also allegedly said Tejada used anabolic steroids. ...
According to the 20-page search warrant affidavit, signed by IRS Special Agent Jeff Novitzky, Grimsley told investigators he obtained amphetamines, anabolic steroids and human growth hormone from someone recommended to him by, a source said, former Yankees trainer Brian McNamee. McNamee is a personal strength coach for Clemens and Pettitte.
From MLB.com's report:
Grimsley's accusations are legally considered hearsay. The statements were not made under oath and he has not been charged in connection with any investigation. Since June, the Times reported, he has complained to friends that the affidavit misrepresented his statements.As Jack mentions in comments to G161, this
"Jason is loyal to the death, a hard-headed guy who would not give up his friends," one of Grimsley's friends told the Times. "The only names he discussed with those investigators were names ... [the investigators] suggested to him."
will also set up a needed acid test for those who have come after Barry with guns blazing: will they be as vociferous in their condemnation of a wildly admired (white) superstar like Clemens, and as quick to discount his similar late career achievements?My educated guess (as I'm sure you know) is No.
Where to start with all this? I hope Novitsky has plenty of body guards. But Jack nailed it with the acid-test comment. My (not-so-educated) guess is also NO. Bud's well-oiled PR machine will now drop their 'ignore' stance and come down hard on the credibility of Grimsley--and by extension the whole process. I can even hear Bud 'speak for the fans' and tell everyone 'how tired we are of this'. No longer seeking truth, justice etc. because THEY NOW HAVE TESTING.
ReplyDeleteThis is all good for Bonds, though. Wonder if he'll bet booed at Fenway next June? On a more positive note, I can go back to being suspicious when athletes appear to grow overnight (Mr. Roberts, what big shoulders you have) or reach their 40's and still put up ridiculous numbers.
What to think about this and the effects on individual baseball records? Maybe whoever said 'records are made to be broken' had more in mind than just the obvious.
Of course the answer to Jack's question is no.
ReplyDeleteThe nice part is that Jack asked it.
The point, Laura, is to ask the question, not assume the answer based on world-view biases.
ReplyDeleteIs it really. Thanks for letting me know. I was wondering what "the point" was.
I live to enlighten.
ReplyDeleteOr at least to make me laugh. Thanks for that. :)