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Byrd Prescribed HGH

Seagull_on_sale_pier_tiny by Ryan on in News Comment 41 comments

The last thing the Indians needed was an off-the-field controversy the day of their most important game in 10 years, but they have it.

Lance Williams and Mark Fainaru-Wada, sports writers for the San Francisco Chronicle, and the authors of Game of Shadows, a steroids expose, published this in Sunday's Chronicle:

Paul Byrd, the veteran pitcher who has helped the Cleveland Indians reach deep into the postseason, bought nearly $25,000 of human growth hormone and syringes from a Florida anti-aging clinic that was targeted by law enforcement officials for distributing performance-enhancing drugs, business records show.

Sounds very bad, correct? Byrd bought HGH, which is banned by MLB, from a clinic that's being investigated by law enforcement. No test exists that can detect whether a player has been injecting the hormone, mainly because the human body manufactures HGH naturally.

A couple hours after the story broke, Paul Byrd gave his side of the story in an interview with Ken Rosenthal:

In an exclusive interview with FOXSports.com, Byrd did not dispute a San Francisco Chronicle report stating that he received nearly $25,000 worth of HGH and syringes from a Florida anti-aging clinic that was targeted by law enforcement for illegally distributing performance-enhancing drugs.

Byrd said that three different doctors diagnosed him as suffering from adult growth-hormone deficiency. In spring training, he said, he was diagnosed with a tumor on his pituitary gland at the base of his brain, a condition that may have contributed to his deficiency, doctors told him.

If what Byrd is saying checks out, that the hormones were prescribed to treat a diagnosed pituitary disorder, and MLB and the Indians knew about this, the only controversy is that he received legally prescribed drugs from a clinic that is under investigation for distributing drugs for performance-enhancing.

Whatever the outcome, this story is horrible timing for a team about to play for their playoff lives.

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Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
It's not really that big of a deal, for the here and now.

Let Byrd take all the attention.  He's not pitching tonight.  The only person that matters it the guy who is.  

Keep.  Us.  In.  The.  Game.

by timebonus on Oct 21, 2007 1:32 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
And the baseball gods are back on our side. LGT.

by supermarioelia on Oct 21, 2007 1:39 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
Byrd sure doesn't seem afraid to talk about it and sounds believeable, like a person with nothing to hide.

by ColumbusOhioFan on Oct 21, 2007 1:39 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
Its a shame to see this story, but what is really amazing is when it broke. I understand its completely obvious its due to game 7. I mean getting an article finalized for a early Sunday morning deadline, seems like a cheap shot to me.

Oh well, I suppose if you make decisions you need to deal with the consequences.

by cclemens31 on Oct 21, 2007 1:57 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
Someone in the last thread said that the writers probably don't care about the Indians being in the playoffs.  I agree.  I'm sure they're just using the timing to get the most pub for their story.

by timebonus on Oct 21, 2007 2:00 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
Well, the best timing would have been before Byrd's start in the series.

by crazymoloh on Oct 21, 2007 2:09 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
Good point.  Unless the evil east coast media paid them to hold it back a few days ;-)

by timebonus on Oct 21, 2007 2:15 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
The story might not have been finished by Byrd's last start and the circulation on Sunday's paper is typically the highest. If creating the most buzz was their intent--and I'm not sure it was--publishing the report on the morning of Game 7 of the ALCS is better than publishing before Game 4.  

by osoc13 on Oct 21, 2007 2:20 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
Well, you didn't quite know that there was going to be a game seven at the time. I don't think there was any timing to this story.

by crazymoloh on Oct 21, 2007 2:24 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
I know, I'm kidding.  I'm stuck at work for seven more hours, so the boredom might be killing my humor :)

by timebonus on Oct 21, 2007 2:27 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
Jay/Ryan not sure if you care or not, but Deadspin is now using quotes from the other "Let's Go Tribe" blog. Take a gander. It faked me out good.

by supermarioelia on Oct 21, 2007 2:03 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
Our culture has developed a penchant for hysteria.  And who is more prone to hysteria than a sports fan?  See, e.g., last night's game thread.

HGH is not crack.  There are appropriate medical uses for HGH.  We don't have all the facts (and the facts may be none of our business), but the initial information appears to be that Byrd's doctors prescribed HGH for an appropriate medical purpose.

Let's not worry about it unless and until it becomes a matter for our concern.

We have more important and more pressing questions to consider:

Can Jake keep the ball down and the Red Sox off the bases?

Can our young line-up keep their sphincters loose in the Biggest Game of Their Lives?

Can Pronk hit the ball out of the infield?

Can Trot Nixon write a story for the ages?

by JamesPowell on Oct 21, 2007 2:14 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
Believe it or not, it is a legitimate story. A pitcher for a potential World Series team was known to have used steroids. However, it does bother me that 'news organizations' fill any vacuum with mindless banter until the full truth comes out.

Somethings I wish the 'reporters' paid heed to are...

(1) Paul Byrd should NEVER be expected to make available is medical history to ANYONE other than his employers. He wasn't hiding anything. It is a matter of privacy.

(2) Why didn't the Chronicle seek to get a response from Paul Byrd, who seems completely willing to discuss the issue? A tad irresponsible.

by crazymoloh on Oct 21, 2007 2:23 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
A pitcher for a potential World Series team was known to have used steroids.

Before Chuck rips you a new one, I will. HGH is a polypeptide hormone, not a steroid. Please be responsible.

by supermarioelia on Oct 21, 2007 2:27 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
Fine. Potentially performance enhancing hormone. A careless slip, but doesn't detract from the fact that this is a legit story.

by crazymoloh on Oct 21, 2007 2:30 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
Did I say it was not a legitimate story for the press/media?  Maybe it is.  But this is not the national press/media, this is LG effin' T!

I'm sure the people who wrote and published the Byrd/HGH story think it is important and interesting.  Maybe it is, but today I got more important and more interesting things to think and talk about.

It's the ALCS.  It's Game Seven.  It's the stuff of legends.

The Byrd story?  Ask me about it on Tuesday.

by JamesPowell on Oct 21, 2007 3:00 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
They didn't talk to Byrd, because they were afraid it would make the story much less interesting/sensational.

by JulioBernazard on Oct 21, 2007 3:29 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
Hah. Wow.
--
"I love baseball. You know it doesn't have to mean anything, it's just beautiful to watch." - Woody Allen

by vbc3 on Oct 21, 2007 2:57 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
Maybe Lance Williams and Mark Fainaru-Wada got an advanced copy of Byrd's book and wanted to grab the limelight before the book came out.

by ColumbusOhioFan on Oct 21, 2007 3:43 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
Bryd issued statement to ESPN.  Supposed to be on ESPNEWS soon.

by Brick. on Oct 21, 2007 3:55 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
nothing new - except for a book plug.

by Brick. on Oct 21, 2007 3:57 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

our national innocence is shaken
I applaud the laudable SF Chron for heroically pursuing the truth on this utterly vital issue. I can think of no better use for investigative journalism than this. We must do everything in our power to fully understand EVERYTHING that happened three years ago.

Hellfire awaits you Byrd. Just like it does your buddy betancourt.

by royalsreview on Oct 21, 2007 4:16 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
I wouldn't discount the rallying potential of the Byrd HGH story. The team could easily chose to see it as an unnecessary attack on a guy with a tumor, the timing of which is incredibly suspect. What with Victor being visibly upset last night about the umping I think an "us against the world" mentality could be forged today, which is exactly what you want heading into an elimination game.

by osoc13 on Oct 21, 2007 4:18 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
Rr, choose. You know what I meant, though.

by osoc13 on Oct 21, 2007 4:20 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
Umm, ok Tribe fans, I get it, you are backing your boy. Thats fine, but the rose colored glasses should be off for this little news item.

Why its news:

  1. He bought 25k worth of a controlled drug, illegal to use without a VALID prescription.

  2. He bought from an anti-aging clinic under investigation by the New York District Attorney's office for distributing controlled substances illegally.

  3. Two of his prescriptions came from a freaking Dentist.  LOL, please explain that if you can.

  4. Several Cleveland media sources have denied this story.

  5. Umm...BALCO?

  6. There is going to be a release of more names after the World Series and the attorneys for the investigation have contacted every team to warn them.

  7. and of course he won a game in the freaking ALCS, the most important sports event currently going on.

That is why this is important.

If you want to defend you boy, that fine, he is a crafty pitcher who stepped up, but please don't lie to yourself and say this is not an important story to baseball.

However, I do agree this story will not make Dice-k throw strikes with men on or keep Westbrook's sinker down.

by SoxAcumen on Oct 21, 2007 4:25 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
Thanks you sanctimonious prick.

by osoc13 on Oct 21, 2007 4:30 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
Santimonious?  Prick?

Go watch ESPN and tell me this is not a major story.  Would you like to bet this is not one of the top lead ins to tonights game on FOX?

ESPN News is running this ahead of every NFL game, every ALCS preview, over NASCAR, over bowling, everything.

So blow it off, but its the #1 sports story of the day.

Maybe you need to call your Dentist and get something for your pain.

by SoxAcumen on Oct 21, 2007 4:43 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
Who in this thread said it was a non-story? No one has denied that it's not a big story, so who the hell are you addressing with your post?

You are made no attempt to engage in the conversation. Instead you felt compelled to tell us why it was a huge story and why we needed to stop lying to ourselves. Not engaging in the conversation makes you a prick. The rest makes you sanctimonious.

by osoc13 on Oct 21, 2007 4:53 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
I'm amazed that even a Red Sox fan could think that ESPN leading with it makes it real news.

ESPN is a joke.

by Jay on Oct 21, 2007 5:16 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No offense, but the timing of this story is VERY
suspect in my opinion - weren't those names supposed to be revealed from Oct. 31-Dec. 31?  This post is being made on Oct. 21, 10 days before - to me, someone seems to have an ulterior motive; why bring it out TODAY, of all days?

That's why I think some of us are a bit annoyed - this young team that has been rattled the last two days didn't need a distraction like this TODAY, and there was no real reason it had to be revealed TODAY unless someone wants to try to put the Indians at a disadvantage, and while one would hope that this team is stronger and bigger than that, this story breaking TODAY certainly does NOT help.

I hope the Indians do take the "us against the world" mentality and shock the world, since I suspect most expect Boston to win this game.  I'd love nothing better than to see the Indians win this game, and I sure hope they do.

Just my 2 cents - no offense.  :-)

Go Tribe! :-)

by indiansfan on Oct 21, 2007 6:13 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
  1.  Okay, but he claims he had a prescription.

  2.  Just because the clinic is under investigation doesn't mean this transaction was illegal.  If he had a prescription, it wasn't.

  3.  The more important point here is that this dentist may have had his license suspended at the time he wrote these prescriptions.

  4.  I don't know what this means, or why it's relevant.

  5.  "BALCO" is a word.  To form a sentence, one must put other words around this word to create a predicate for the subject.

  6.  Yes, but I don't see how that matters here.  We don't know if Byrd's going to be implicated in the Mitchell investigation or not.

  7.  According to the report, Byrd's purchases lasted from "between August 2002 and January 2005," when MLB formally banned HGH.  Byrd won game 4 last week, well after he's known to have taken it.  Claiming this series is somehow tainted by the involvement of a guy who took supplements years ago is just whining and making excuses for the loss... not that a Sox fan would ever do that.

by maledicta on Oct 21, 2007 4:59 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
A piece of advice - reply to the post you're responding to.

by Ryan on Oct 21, 2007 4:59 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
"Would you like to bet this is not one of the top lead ins to tonights game on FOX?"

Last night the lead-in was the 2004 Sox comeback.  Does that make it news?

by CU Adam on Oct 21, 2007 4:53 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
Here is where i am a little confused. If my memory is correct, Rick Ankiel supposedly took HGH and it came out earlier this season.  Like Byrd, he stopped taking it when it was banned by MLB.

If HGH was not banned by MLB before 2005, why is this a story?  I remember having this same reaction to the Ankiel news.  If they were taking something not banned by baseball and stopped when it becamse so, it doesn't seem to be a story worth getting worked up about.

If the #4 starter for the Marlins revealed today he had taken HGH BEFORE it was banned, do you think we would even know about it??

by swarty on Oct 21, 2007 6:20 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
You can not convince me this wasn't a planned leak.
Playoffs! LGT resident kineisologist

by E5 on Oct 21, 2007 6:24 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
Screw it for now...he took it before it was illegal and apparently had a legit reason....no evidence that he has taken it since 2005 so his win in the ALCS is not tainted....focus on the prize boys, focus on the prize....Jake Westbrook and the boys playing behind him tonight have nothing to do with this story so let's hope they are focusing on the real game and not the media circus...at least tonight we won't have to hear quite as much about 2004 Red Sox comeback for the ages...oh crap we probably still will.

by razzpunk on Oct 21, 2007 6:37 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
Live the dream, Fox has had the 2004 comeback crap lined up for two weeks. Just hold your breath, it won't last forever.
As far as the HGH, A Freakin' DENTIST? You may decide to be willfully obtuse and say it was not against MLB rules at the time, but bogus prescriptions have long been against the law. For what it is worth, I audit physician claims for a living and both parties are culpable.
Your second point is the only one that matters. Westbrook stoned the Sox and can do it again. Regardless of all the other crap at 8:23 a well paid Asian man is going to throw a ball. Let's see what happens...

by eastcoastbias on Oct 21, 2007 6:46 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
I'm trying to view this story in a fair manner.  More details have come out, and I think the following points are of concern:

  1. Mark Shapiro's statement this morning made it sound like he did not, in fact, have prior knowledge of Byrd taking HGH.  Now, Byrd has said he has long since stopped taking it.  But I would assume that all important parties -- including team doctors -- would know since.  Byrd has indicated his teams were aware.

  2. Byrd said today that the SF Chronicle reporters got a hold of him three days ago.  He said he told them no comment and they could run their story.  HUH?  Why not give them the same explanation that he gave today?  More importantly, why not call your own press conference, with your doctor at your side, to get out ahead of it?  "The SF Chronicle is going to run a story about me using HGH, and my doctor and I wanted you to know the real deal."  

  3. Byrd says he does not remember the names of the doctors involved.  This is hard to believe.  I had a cardio-ablation done on my heart 11 years ago, at the age of 18, and I remember the name of the entire medical staff who was involved.  Byrd had to stick a needle in his thigh every night.  But he didn't know the doctors who told him to do so?

Before you dump on me, understand that I'm waiting for Paul to explain these things.  It's more than possible that there are logical explanations to be had.  I have a lot of respect for him as a pitcher and -- for what little I know about him -- as a man.

Regardless, as long as he was not taking HGH this season, I don't currently care.  That's for MLB to hash out.  Paul went out there with 86 mph stuff this week and beat the Sox.  He should be proud.

by tabler84 on Oct 21, 2007 6:58 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
Lot of unanswered questions right now. And to be honest I'd prefer them go unanswered until after the season.

by supermarioelia on Oct 21, 2007 7:04 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: Byrd Prescribed HGH
To argue the other side, I think professional ballplayers see a LOT of doctors. Definitely more than the average person. I wouldn't be shocked if he didn't remember the name of one or two.

by osoc13 on Oct 21, 2007 8:22 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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