A grand jury investigation that started in upstate New York has uncovered a web of distribution channels for performance-enhancing drugs running from Pittsburgh to Texas to Alabama to Orlando, and implicating several professional baseball players and other professional athletes.
The report, which first appeared in the Albany Times-Union details how an internet-based system of dubious prescriptions was used to funnel testosterone and other performance-enhancers to users. Among those implicated is Anaheim center fielder Gary Matthews, Jr., who parlayed a career-best 2006 season into a five-year, $50 million contract with the Angels in November. Other names that have reportedly come up in the investigation: Jason Grimsley, who was investigated as part of the BALCO case last year and Jose Canseco, whose steriod abuse is now detailed in paperback. Boxer Evander Holyfield, the team doctor for the Pittsburgh Steelers and several unnamed NFL players are also reportedly involved, and more names are expected to surface as a result of a federal raid on a pharmacy in Orlando yesterday.
The fact that Matthews is the only new baseball player mentioned in the story is interesting... and can be interpreted in a couple of different ways. It might mean "we didn't get any really big names this time around." It could also mean "we're holding back the juicy stuff... because we don't want anyone to wriggle off the hook this time." Either way, it seems reasonable to expect that this story will continue to develop all season long... and may have a significant impact on a number of teams and players. We'll keep you posted.
Originally published at About Baseball
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