Clemens named in Grimsely steroid affidavit
By The Heckler
Baseball Big Mouth
baseball blog
Jason Grimsley named-names, and now, those names have been made public – once-again draping the evil pall of performance-enhancing drugs upon more of Major League Baseball’s biggest stars, including sure-fire Hall-of-Famer Roger Clemens of the Houston Astros and former American League Most Valuable Player Miguel Tejada.
According to an affidavit released from the U.S. Attorney’s office as reported in today’s editions of the Sunday Los Angeles Times, Grimsley’s allegations – considered legal hearsay given that there were not made under oath given that Grimsley has not been charged in any investigation – already have the former Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher into full-on damage control, who – according to a friend quoted by the paper – only discussed names brought forward by investigators, adding Grimsley, “would not give up his friends.”
Regardless, the roll call makes for another black eye for the sport, and if nothing else, more speculation. Along with Clemens, Grimsley reportedly also fingered fellow Astros’ ace Andy Pettite, plus Baltimore’s Miguel Tejada, Brian Roberts and Jay Gibbons. Grimsley spent time with Clemens and Pettite while a member of the Yankees, and with the Orioles’ trio while with Baltimore. While the names in the affidavit were redacted - or obscured - “a source with authorized access to an unredacted affidavit allowed The Times to see it, but retained it to read back what had been blacked out of the public copies.”
All players named reportedly declined interviews with The Times. However, Tejada did comment to the Baltimore Sun, saying, “I know that I’ve never had a problem with that. I know that I’ve never used that and I know I am clean. I don’t worry about anybody who puts me in that stuff. I’ll get checked out for anybody, any time, any moment — whenever they want.” Meanwhile, teammate Gibbons added, “I have passed every test administered by Major League Baseball over all the years. I am not going to dignify these claims and accusations with any further response.”
At least 15 names had been rendered unreadable in the affidavit that was publicly released June 6 following Grimsely’s refusal to cooperate with authorities in investigating other players under suspicion for steroid use. Reportedly – amongst other requests – Grimsley was asked to wear a wire to collect evidence against slugger Barry Bonds, under investigation for perjury about his own alleged steroid use. The pitcher was initially confront by IRS investigators at his Arizona home on April 19 after receiving a package containing two kits of human growth hormone (HGH) valued at more than $1,600 each through the U.S. Postal Service. The IRS, who had been awaiting the shipment’s delivery, presented warrants for their surrender to Grimsley, who complied.
Under the current MLB drug policy, HGH is illegal. However, there is not as-of-yet an effective test – either through urine or blood – to accurately prove an athlete’s use. Grimsley revealed he had been taking steroids since shoulder surgery in 2000 and had actually failed an MLB test in 2003. Following his arrest, Grimsley did not inform club officials and reported to work at Chase Field for that evening for a contest against the Phillies. As the story was breaking on the Arizona Republic’s website, the pitcher was actually warming-up in the bullpen. Afterward, he immediately asked-for – and was granted – his release. Grimsley was not paid the remainder of his 2006 contract and later settled for having the money given to charity. He was also subsequently suspended for 50 days under MLB rules for violation of its Joint Drug Policy.
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