Former Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Eric Gagne admitted to using human growth hormone (HGH) Monday, closing the book on yet another baseball star accused of using performance enhancing substances. The admission came via the Los Angeles Times as Gagne alluded to using the substance during the 2005 season.
“I’m so ashamed. It wasn’t smart,” said Gagne. “If I knew what I know now… I didn’t need it. I regret it so much, just now maybe getting over the guilt. It was stupid.”
Gagne was linked to HGH back in 2007 in the Mitchell Report, which accused Gagne of receiving the growth supplement in 2004. To hear Gagne tell it, however, the Mitchell Report was off by a year.
“I thought it would help me get better when I hurt my knee,” the record holder for consecutive saves without a blown chance (84) said.
The 34-year-old first injured his knee during spring training of 2005, suffering a left knee sprain. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list to open the year with an elbow strain, and then had right elbow surgery following the season.
Gagne left the Dodgers following 2006, after a second elbow surgery along with a lower back surgery. He spent the first half of the 2007 season with the Texas Rangers before being traded to the Red Sox at the deadline. He completely disintegrated, posting a 6.75 ERA while in a Boston uniform. He spent 2008 with Milwaukee before pitching in the independent Can-Am League as a starter last season to build up arm strength.
He is currently competing for a spot in the Dodger bullpen, having signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.
