Gary Matthews Avoids the Steroid Questions

Gary Matthews had little to offer reporters as to why his name was found on the customer list of two pharmacies which authorities believe were the hub of a steroid ring. When asked about the situation this morning, he did his best to dodge the questions without saying anything of substance. From the Los Angeles Times:

"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 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.

Nothing too exciting there, I must admit. You don't expect someone in his situation to get himself in any trouble down the road by admitting something now before he has a chance to get all lawyered up. But, in the court of public opinion, his response when asked point blank if he ever ordered performance-enhancing drugs is awfully incriminating:

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."

Ouch -- that's an awfully odd answer for someone with nothing to hide. I'm guessing Matthews is going to have an conversation in the very near future with Angels GM Bill Stoneman, who signed Matthews to a five-year, $50 million contract this winter.

But even so, it's hard to have much sympathy for Stoneman, who managed to overlook an entire career of mediocre numbers and overpayed for a guy who finally emerged as a bona fide every day player at age 32. You don't have to be on a witch hunt to think Matthews' out-of-nowhere career-best season looked a little fishy -- even if steroids never entered his mind, Stoneman should of at least suspected it was a complete fluke season -- and certainly not worth $50 million.

Previously:
Gary Matthews Allegedly Named in Steroid Bust
The Gary Matthews Media Checkup