Matthews Jr. part of drug investigation
By Doug Padilla, Staff writer
Article Launched: 02/27/2007 11:24:42 PM PST
TEMPE, Ariz. - Gary Matthews Jr.'s name has surfaced in the investigation of a Mobile, Ala.-based internet pharmacy accused in the illegal distribution of prescription drugs, including human growth hormone.
In a report Tuesday in the Albany (N.Y.) Times Union, the newspaper credited "sources with knowledge of the investigation" for linking the Angels' new outfielder to the situation. The report did not reveal what types of products Matthews ordered, if any, although he was labeled a customer by the newspaper.
Matthews had two at-bats in an intrasquad game Tuesday.
"We talked to Gary and made him aware of the article and right now there are no details," manager Mike Scioscia said. "We didn't really know what happened or what's going on. We have to see what's going on."
Matthews was not the only athlete linked to the investigation. Former heavyweight Evander Holyfield also was named and allegedly used the name "Evan Fields" when placing orders. Admitted steroid user Jose Canseco also was named by the Times Union as an alleged client of Applied Pharmacy Services. A number of unnamed NFL players also were linked.
In addition to the Mobile, Ala., provider, a pharmacy in Orlando, Fla., also has been under investigation by a special grand jury in New York for over a year. A top physician with the Pittsburgh Steelers allegedly ordered $150,000 worth of testosterone and human growth hormone on a personal credit card through Signature Pharmacy. Because he is a physician there was no law broken. The retail value of those drugs is said to be worth $750,000.
Another alleged customer of Signature is former Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Jason Grimsley, who had mail-order steroids seized at his home last year.
Matthews comments on allegations
Angels outfielder will address the matter at the appropriate time.
Mike DiGiovanna, Times Staff Writer
8:43 AM PST, February 28, 2007
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Angels center fielder Gary Matthews Jr., shed little light Wednesday on how or why his named was linked to a yearlong investigation in four states looking into allegations that testosterone and other performance-enhancing drugs may have been distributed to athletes, including major league and NFL players.
Asked if he had any idea how his name, according to a report in the Albany (N.Y.) Times-Union, appeared on a customer list of two of the pharmacies that were raided Tuesday, Matthews said, "I don't. That's what we're trying to find out. We're gathering information, and I will address the matter again, at the appropriate time."
Matthews, who signed a five-year, $50-million contract with the Angels in November, spoke with reporters for about two minutes before Wednesday morning's workout.
"I just want to tell you guys I'm really not in a position to answer any questions on yesterday's story," Matthews said. "I do want to say that I do expect it to resolve itself in the very near future. I've got my representative looking for more information, to find out stuff, and until we get more information, I can't comment.
"I'm asking you guys to respect my position on this. I don't want to be a distraction to my team. There are things they're trying to do to get ready for the season. I do want to tell you guys that at the appropriate time, I will address the matter."
When will that time be?
"Whenever I get more information and talk to my representative," Matthews said, referring to his agent, Scott Leventhal. The outfielder said he has not retained the services of any other legal counsel.
Did Matthews order any performance-enhancing products from any Web site or pharmacy?
"I haven't read the story myself," Matthews said, "and don't have all the information."
Tim Mead, the Angels' vice president of communications, said General Manager Bill Stoneman has talked to Leventhal and will remain in contact with the agent.
"The only thing we know is what was in the story yesterday, as sketchy as it was," Mead said. "We're going to certainly ask questions and find out everything we can, but we're not going to jump to any conclusions before we have all the information available."
By Doug Padilla, Staff writer
Article Launched: 02/27/2007 11:24:42 PM PST
TEMPE, Ariz. - Gary Matthews Jr.'s name has surfaced in the investigation of a Mobile, Ala.-based internet pharmacy accused in the illegal distribution of prescription drugs, including human growth hormone.
In a report Tuesday in the Albany (N.Y.) Times Union, the newspaper credited "sources with knowledge of the investigation" for linking the Angels' new outfielder to the situation. The report did not reveal what types of products Matthews ordered, if any, although he was labeled a customer by the newspaper.
Matthews had two at-bats in an intrasquad game Tuesday.
"We talked to Gary and made him aware of the article and right now there are no details," manager Mike Scioscia said. "We didn't really know what happened or what's going on. We have to see what's going on."
Matthews was not the only athlete linked to the investigation. Former heavyweight Evander Holyfield also was named and allegedly used the name "Evan Fields" when placing orders. Admitted steroid user Jose Canseco also was named by the Times Union as an alleged client of Applied Pharmacy Services. A number of unnamed NFL players also were linked.
In addition to the Mobile, Ala., provider, a pharmacy in Orlando, Fla., also has been under investigation by a special grand jury in New York for over a year. A top physician with the Pittsburgh Steelers allegedly ordered $150,000 worth of testosterone and human growth hormone on a personal credit card through Signature Pharmacy. Because he is a physician there was no law broken. The retail value of those drugs is said to be worth $750,000.
Another alleged customer of Signature is former Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Jason Grimsley, who had mail-order steroids seized at his home last year.
Matthews comments on allegations
Angels outfielder will address the matter at the appropriate time.
Mike DiGiovanna, Times Staff Writer
8:43 AM PST, February 28, 2007
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Angels center fielder Gary Matthews Jr., shed little light Wednesday on how or why his named was linked to a yearlong investigation in four states looking into allegations that testosterone and other performance-enhancing drugs may have been distributed to athletes, including major league and NFL players.
Asked if he had any idea how his name, according to a report in the Albany (N.Y.) Times-Union, appeared on a customer list of two of the pharmacies that were raided Tuesday, Matthews said, "I don't. That's what we're trying to find out. We're gathering information, and I will address the matter again, at the appropriate time."
Matthews, who signed a five-year, $50-million contract with the Angels in November, spoke with reporters for about two minutes before Wednesday morning's workout.
"I just want to tell you guys I'm really not in a position to answer any questions on yesterday's story," Matthews said. "I do want to say that I do expect it to resolve itself in the very near future. I've got my representative looking for more information, to find out stuff, and until we get more information, I can't comment.
"I'm asking you guys to respect my position on this. I don't want to be a distraction to my team. There are things they're trying to do to get ready for the season. I do want to tell you guys that at the appropriate time, I will address the matter."
When will that time be?
"Whenever I get more information and talk to my representative," Matthews said, referring to his agent, Scott Leventhal. The outfielder said he has not retained the services of any other legal counsel.
Did Matthews order any performance-enhancing products from any Web site or pharmacy?
"I haven't read the story myself," Matthews said, "and don't have all the information."
Tim Mead, the Angels' vice president of communications, said General Manager Bill Stoneman has talked to Leventhal and will remain in contact with the agent.
"The only thing we know is what was in the story yesterday, as sketchy as it was," Mead said. "We're going to certainly ask questions and find out everything we can, but we're not going to jump to any conclusions before we have all the information available."
