Pujols taking legal action against Clark over claim

Albert Pujols says he’s taking legal action against Jack Clark after the former St. Louis Cardinals star accused him of taking performance-enhancing drugs.

“I am currently in the process of taking legal action against Jack Clark and his employers at WGNU 920AM,” the injured Los Angeles Angels slugger said a statement Friday night. “I am going to send a message that you cannot act in a reckless manner, like they have, and get away with it.

“If I have to be the athlete to carry the torch and pave the way for other innocent players to see that you can do something about it, I am proud to be that person. I have five young children and I take being a role model very seriously. The last thing I want is for the fans, and especially the kids out there, to question my reputation and character.”

Clark said Pujols’ former trainer told him 10 years ago that he “shot him up.”

Pujols, sidelined by a partially torn plantar fascia, is in his second season with the Angels after 11 years in St. Louis.

“I’ve said time and time again that I would never take, or even consider taking, anything illegal,” Pujols said. “I’ve been tested hundreds of times throughout my career and never once have I tested positive. It is irresponsible and reckless for Jack Clark to have falsely accused me of using PED’s.”