Arte Moreno Wants the HGH Controversy to Stop Yesterday

Angels owner Arte Moreno is probably the most eager of anybody to see how the allegations that Gary Matthews ordered HGH plays out. After all, he just committed to giving Matthews $50 million of his own money over the next five years. Talking to the Los Angeles Times on Sunday, Moreno had stern words about the budding controversy:

"It's going to be resolved by opening day, one way or the other. I promise you that," Moreno said.

"I'm not a very happy guy. It should have already been resolved."

What he actually means isn't exactly clear since he never explained what he meant by "one way or the other." And honestly, I'm not sure what Moreno actually has power to do. I don't think he can revoke the contract since it's very possible Matthews didn't break any laws, and he certainly couldn't do it before opening day since it would require a long, drawn out process involving the commissioner's office, player's union and likely an independent arbiter.

Despite potential pressure from Moreno, don't expect Matthews to make many missteps in terms of saying anything that may come back to haunt him, especially now that he's all lawyered up with Robert Shapiro, who famously defended O.J. Simpson. And despite Moreno's proclamation, I have a hunch people will be talking about this for a long while.

Previously on the FanHouse:
HGH Probably Doesn't Increase Strength
Garry Matthews Was Mailed HGH in 2004
Garry Matthews Avoids the Steroid Question
Garry Matthews Allegedly Named in Steroid Bust