Redacted Names Offer Few Surprises, Expected Denials
Uncategorized October 2nd. 2006, 5:03pm
It took a few months, but thanks to the Los Angeles Times, we’ve finally got those redacted names on the Jason Grimsley affidavit:
Brian Roberts, Orioles – anabolic steroids
Miguel Tejada, Orioles – anabolic steroids
Jay Gibbons, Orioles – anabolic steroids
Roger Clemens, Astros – athletic, performance-enhancing drugs
Andy Pettitte, Astros – athletic, performance-enhancing drugs
David Segui, retired – HGH (admitted)
Ya done well, Rat Grimsley. Although even we could have projected Tejada, and anyone could have seen the cartoonishly large arms on Roberts and suspected something was up, we’re mildly surprised by Gibbons and Pettitte. We surmise with all the injuries Gibbons has been through, he probably juiced to heal quicker, and ditto goes for Dandy Andy (elbow issues). Though the latter probably had easier access, since he shares a trainer (Brian McNamee, also named in the affidavit) with Clemens. Nobody’s really surprised old man Clemens was named, mostly because as his age has increased, his ERA has decreased. That doesn’t happen.
The interesting part: Did Grimsley give up the names of players, or did the Feds throw names at him?
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.
The affidavit also alleges that Grimsley told federal agents that former Orioles teammates Tejada, Brian Roberts and Jay Gibbons “took anabolic steroids.” Roberts was the American League’s all-star second baseman in 2005 when Grimsley was an Oriole.
Grimsley was not arrested and has not been charged. Since June, he has complained to friends that federal agents attributed statements and disclosures to him that he didn’t make.
“Jason is loyal to the death, a hardheaded guy who would not give up his friends,” one of Grimsley’s friends said Saturday. “The only names he discussed with those investigators were names … [the investigators] suggested to him.”
Fortunately for baseball executives, Albert Pujols didn’t appear in the document, otherwise, that Cardinals-Padres series would take a backseat to that circus.
Lastly, we (finally) applaud Mike Lupica of the Sports Reporters for getting it right (kind of) Sunday morning: “The same things we’ve been saying about Barry Bonds for a long time, we can say about Roger Clemens.” Does that put an end to this supposed “Bonds witch hunt?” Natch, that wasn’t addressed. Now if he’d only add Mark McGwire and Raffy to his list …
Though it was nice to hear Lupica’s remarks, we’ve got to give a thumbs down to the Houston Chronicle for this completely homerish take on the situation. Before we clicked on the link, we prayed that it wasn’t Richard Justice. Thankfully, it wasn’t.
Clemens Is Named in Drug Affidavit (Los Angeles Times)
Clemens, Pettitte deny drug accusations (Houston Chronicle)
The press is shocked, shocked! Roger Clemens named in Grimsley steroid affidavit (Seth Mnookin)
Rocket Targeted (New York Daily News)
Clemens and Pettitte Strongly Deny Grimsley Accusations (Sam Houston – Throwing Heat)
Segui Says Feds Asked about Retired Stars (USA Today)
One Response to “Redacted Names Offer Few Surprises, Expected Denials”
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October 3rd, 2006 at 11:02 PM
Now we all know Barry Bonds, Jose Canseco and Sammy Sosa are the only guys in baseball that ever used performance enhancing drugs. Clemens is in his mid-40’s and still a dominant power pitcher but he didn’t use anything but hard work to get there. Ditto for Mark McGwire, Rafael Palmeiro, Brian Roberts and all the rest of the guys that either tested positive or were named as users.
Come to think of it, none of the Carolina Panthers used any banned substances either. Its of mild importance that a team made it all the way to the Super Bowl with the help of banned substances. I missed Mike Lupica & Mitch Albom demanding an investigation. Did Dick Pound demand an investigation? What about members of Congress?
I guess if Barry Bonds wasn’t involved then it isn’t really important.