Gary Matthews and Steroids
Police Busted a Steroid and HGH Ring That May Have Supplied Slugger
Gary Matthews's $55 Million Contract with the Los Angeles Angels may be in jeopardy after police broke open a steroid and HGH supply network that may have supplied him.
Gary Matthews Jr. would not comment on reports that his name was listed as a customer of a steroid distribution network. Matthews remarked: "I haven't read the story myself, and I don't have all the information," the Angels center fielder said when asked if he had used performance-enhancing substances. "So until I get more information, this is going to be my position."
Albany New York District Attorney David Soares led the investigation into the distribution network. Yesterday, Ferbruary 28, 2007, Soares said that several athletes' names were on the client list, although he would not identify any of them.
The Times Union newspaper of Albany, however, reported that the names of Matthews, Jose Canseco and former boxing champion Evander Holyfield were included on customer lists for Applied Pharmacy Services in Mobile, Ala. The two owners have been indicted by an Albany County grand jury.
Matthews spoke with reporters briefly before taking the field at the Angels' spring training camp, saying that he would not answer specific questions about the arrest, HGH, or steroids.
"I do expect it to resolve itself here in the near future. Until we get more information, I just can't comment on it," he said. Matthews said he didn't know why is name was reportedly on the client list, adding, "That's what we're working on, trying to find out. I will address it at the appropriate time."
Matthews is a longtime role player who enjoyed a breakout season with the Texas Rangers in 2006, then signed a $50 million, five-year contract with the Angels in November. Gary is just a career .263 hitter, but last year hit .313, and set career highs in homers (19) and RBIs (79) and made the American League All-Star team.
Angels owner Arte Moreno said the team was seeking more information about the report, and that he, general manager Bill Stoneman and manager Mike Scioscia all met to discuss the issue with Matthews. "We don't have much information, obviously, and you're dealing with the players' association. They really want to get more information," Moreno said. "We had a meeting just to basically tell him how we felt, that we're not going to ask you any questions until you're able to tell us, but we'd like you to be straight up with us."
Gary doesn't want this to be a distraction to the team," Scioscia said. "He played yesterday, he's going to play tomorrow and he's going to keep getting ready for the season. We have to see the direction this thing goes and while it's unfolding, concentrate on getting ready for the season. That's where we want Gary to be."
