Grimsley faces 50-game suspension if he returns
 

Grimsley faces 50-game suspension if he returns
June 12, 2006
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports



NEW YORK -- Embattled pitcher Jason Grimsley was suspended for 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.

Grimsley was suspended for violating baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, based on his statements to authorities regarding human growth hormone.

The Arizona Diamondbacks released the reliever last Wednesday and his agent said he did not expect Grimsley to play again.

"I think he earned it," Arizona Diamondbacks managing general partner Ken Kendrick said. "I think it sends a message and an appropriate message."

"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.


Jason Grimsley faces a fight getting the rest of his salary from the Diamondbacks. (AP)
The Diamondbacks released the reliever last Wednesday -- they don't intend to pay him, either -- and his agent said he did not expect Grimsley to play again. If Grimsley returns, the penalty would take effect when he's placed on a 40-man roster.

"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. Baseball toughened its drug program and penalties this season, but 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 and the Diamondbacks are currently in a dispute over payment of the remainder of his $825,000 salary.

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."

But the team later said it did not intend to pay him the rest, and filed a notice of termination Monday.

"This guy did no less than steal from us," Kendrick said Saturday night.

Bick responded by saying Grimsley would contest the Diamondbacks' decision, and the players' union was expected to file a grievance.


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Definitely stick a fork in him, his career is DONE.........

Yes.

I believe Grimsley told his agent the day all this broke that he would never play major league baseball again.

Of course, I don't know if that means he would not play if given the opportunity, or if he just figured he'd never give another opportunity again.

Either way, he's done.