Steroid Scandal Hits Glaus, By: Mike Rutsey
Sept, 8, 2007
The Toronto Blue Jay reportedly received "multiple shipments" from a pharmacy firm.
ST. PETERSBURG, FLA. -- The steroids scandal that has plagued Major League Baseball since 1988 finally targeted a Toronto Blue Jays player.
A report on Sports Illustrated's website says Jays third baseman Troy Glaus "received multiple shipments of performance-enhancing steroids through an allegedly illegal internet distribution network."
The story goes on to state that "A source in Florida with knowledge of the client list of Signature Pharmacy, an Orlando-based compound pharmacy, alleges that between September 2003 and May 2004, multiple shipments of nandrolone and testosterone were sent to Glaus at a Corona, Calif., address that traces to the player. Though the information only pertains to receipt and not actual use of steroids, both nandrolone and testosterone were on Major League Baseball's banned list at the time."
Glaus, through a Jays spokesperson, declined to comment prior to last night's game against Tampa Bay.
A meeting with the media and Glaus, a four-time all-star, had been planned but 15 minutes before it was to happen, it was scuttled.
The "no comment" theme ran through the Jays hierarchy and the clubhouse.
"We've got no comment, we don't comment on stuff that's speculation," general manager J.P. Ricciardi said from his home in Worcester, Mass. "We will adhere to Major League Baseball policies and abide by them. There are no in-house team rules, we are governed by Major League Baseball we have to adhere to them."
Jays president Paul Godfrey had similar comments in his statement. "The accusations made today in the media regarding Blue Jays Trout Glaus are simply accusations. I'm in no position to make comment that is attributed to an unnamed source.
Also yesterday, the New York Daily News reported Rick Ankiel, the pitcher-turned-outfielder who has hit nine homers since rejoining the St. Louis Cardinals last month, received eight shipments of human growth hormone in 2004.
"We will certainly look into this with both players," baseball spokesman Rich Levin said.
According to the Daily News, steroids and growth hormone were also shipped to ex-big league pitcher Steve Woodard. He and Ankiel were teammates with triple-A Memphis in 2004.
Vernon Wells, the Blue Jays player rep, had support for his teammate. "I don't know anything about it, except what I've read and heard. I hate to see a teammate and a guy I know in a situation like that. I hope everything works out. You never think someone has done something like that. You just don't judge people like that. Troy will have to deal with everything."
In the period when Glaus was alleged to have received the steroids, he missed much of the 2003 season with a tear in his right rotator cuff and frayed labrum and underwent season-ending shoulder surgery after attempting a comeback in 2004.
The SI reported "the prescriptions, written in Glaus' name, were obtained through New Hope Health Center, a California-based anti-aging clinic that advertises the sale of anabolic steroids and human growth hormones on its Web site. The prescription was processed by Signature. The prescribing physician was Ramon Scruggs, M.D. According to the Medical Board of California, as of March 2007, Scruggs has been on probation and is prohibited from prescribing drugs over the internet."
Glaus, 31, was acquired by the Jays in Dec. of 2005 in a trade with Arizona. Last year in 153 games, he hit 38 homers and drove in 104 runs.
This season, Glaus has been plagued by Plantar faciltis in his left foot and his production has dipped.
In 111 games, he is hitting .263 with 20 homers and 63 RBIs.
Glaus, who earns US$10.75 million this season, will receive $12.75 million in 08. Glaus also has a player option for '09 worth $11.25 million.
