Grimsley suspended for 50 games
June 13, 2006
By BEN WALKER
The Associated Press
NEW YORK – Embattled pitcher Jason Grimsley was suspended 50 games by Major League Baseball on Monday, less than a week after federal agents raided his home during an investigation into performance-enhancing drugs.
Commissioner Bud Selig’s office suspended Grimsley for violating baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, based on his statements to authorities regarding human growth hormone.
“I think he earned it,” Arizona Diamondbacks managing general partner Ken Kendrick said. “I think it sends a message and an appropriate message.”
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“He violated the agreement. Obviously MLB feels that he did. That’s Bud’s decision and I think it’s the right decision and I applaud him for it,” he said.
The Diamondbacks released Grimsley last Wednesday – they don’t intend to pay him, either – and his agent said he doesn’t expect Grimsley to play again.
“Nothing’s changed,” agent Joe Bick said Monday.
Last Tuesday, 13 agents searched Grimsley’s Arizona home following his admission he had used HGH, steroids and amphetamines.
According to court documents, authorities tracked a package containing two “kits” of HGH – about a season’s worth – that was delivered at Grimsley’s house on April 19. He failed a baseball drug test in 2003, documents showed.
Acting on those documents, MLB suspended him for his alleged possession, admitted use and intended use of HGH, even though there is no test for HGH.
“He’s retired. It’s a moot point,” Detroit Tigers closer Todd Jones said. “He didn’t test positive, but because he said he did, they’re going to suspend him?
“It’s kind of like giving a speeding ticket to a guy that got killed in a car wreck,” he said.
The 38-year-old Grimsley was 1-2 with a 4.88 ERA in 19 games as a long reliever this season, his first with Arizona.
Grimsley asked for his release last week and Arizona granted it; at the time, his agent, Joe Bick, said there had no negotiation about money and added, “Released players get paid.”
However, the Diamondbacks said they do not intend to pay him.
