Zimmerman increasing his efforts to clear name
VIERA, FLA.— Even after a decade in the majors, Ryan Zimmerman knows that one report saying he took performance-enhancing drugs could tarnish his reputation.
So he’s fighting to clear his name after Al Jazeera America aired a documentary in late December that implicated the Washington Nationals’ starting first baseman.
In January, he and Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard filed defamation suits against the network, and on Tuesday Zimmerman vigorously defended himself against the claims made in The Dark Side: Secrets of Sports Doping. Zimmerman — who said his emotions have ranged from shock, anger and frustration — believes trainer Jason Riley is how his name got linked to pharmacist Charles Sly, who was featured in the documentary. Sly recanted his statements about Zimmerman, Howard and Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning taking human growth hormone before the documentary aired.
“I’ve never met that guy, I’ve never heard of that guy,” Zimmerman said of Sly. “None of that stuff is true. I’ve never done any of that. I’ve never even thought about doing any of that.”
The organization’s longest tenured player said he was willing to open up his entire life, including phone and email records, to discovery as part of the defamation suit. Even though Zimmerman acknowledged it’s difficult for public figures to successfully sue for defamation, he felt it was his responsibility to go through the process.
“Maybe if this stops this from happening to just one person after me, then it’s worth it,” Zimmerman said.
Colorado Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes has been placed on paid leave under Major League Baseball’s new domestic violence policy pending completion of criminal proceedings.
The 32-year-old, a four-time allstar, was arrested in Hawaii at a Maui resort on Oct. 31 following an argument with his wife and pleaded not guilty to a charge of abuse of a family or household member. He was released after posting $1,000 bail and is scheduled for a trial starting April 4.
Major League Baseball said Tuesday that commissioner Rob Manfred will decide on discipline after the proceedings and an MLB investigation. Reyes will receive the $22-million salary he earns during the season while on leave.
Los Angeles Angels slugger Albert Pujols is determined to play on opening day and is open to spending more time at designated hitter as he recovers from right foot surgery.
Pujols arrived at spring training Tuesday, took his physical and says he has been hitting and running the past month. While the team’s medical staff has cautioned the 10-time all-star may miss the start of the season, Pujols says “my target is opening day.”
Pujols had his first 40-homer season since 2010 last year but hit only .244 against a steady diet of defensive shifts.