The Orioles could release veteran outfielder Jay Gibbons by voiding the final two seasons of his four-year, $21 million contract if allegations of his involvement with performance-enhancing drugs are true, a high-ranking source close to the team said Monday.
“It?s still too early to tell at this point,” the source said. “He?s been pretty adamant about his innocence. He hasn?t tested positive for anything, but the recent revelations aren?t very encouraging.”
Gibbons, 30, is owed roughly $11 million of the deal he signed in January 2006. The source confirmed there is no specific language in the guaranteed portion of Gibbons? contract pertaining to performance-enhancing drugs.
Calls to Orioles? owner Peter Angelos and team president Andy MacPhail were not returned.
Gibbons has been linked to an alleged illegal Internet drug distribution network, where he received steroids, testosterone and human growth hormone. According to Sports Illustrated, which cited a source in Florida with knowledge of Signature Pharmacy?s client list, Gibbons allegedly received six separate packages of synthetic Human Growth Hormone between October 2003 and July 2005. Gibbons also allegedly received two shipments of testosterone and two more of a hormone that is created naturally during pregnancy. But it?s taken by steroid users to increase the body?s testosterone, which is suppressed by steroids. However, the information Sports Illustrated cites comes strictly from a receipt and not from use of the drugs. Major League Baseball prohibited players from using testosterone and human growth hormone in 2003 and 2005, respectively.
Major League Baseball is investigating the allegations.
“There?s not much more to say than we?re looking into it,” said Pat Courtney, a spokesman for Major League Baseball.
The Orioles refused to comment on Gibbons? situation. Calls to Gibbons? agents, Sam and Seth Levinson, were not returned.
It marks the second time in two seasons that Gibbons name has been linked to drugs and steroids. Last season, Gibbons was reportedly mentioned in the affidavit given by former Oriole reliever Jason Grimsley, who admitted using human growth hormone.
The news regarding Gibbons comes less than a week after reports identified Toronto third baseman Troy Glaus and St. Louis outfielder Rick Ankiel as players having received shipments from the same pharmacy.
“When you hear the other names, you start to wonder if there is a link to [the Orioles], just because there has been for the past couple years,” the source said. “It?s disappointing.”
Even before the allegations, Gibbons was having the worst season of his seven-year career. He batted just .230 with 6 home runs and 28 RBIs in 84 games. He played through much of the second half with an injured shoulder, and was placed on the 15-day disabled list Aug. 13 with a labrum tear.
Gibbons underwent season-ending shoulder surgery Aug.14, but plans to be ready by spring training.
“It?s been a tough one,” Gibbons said shortly after the end of his season. “It?s going to be a hard one to forget.”
And now, his offseason will likely be more difficult.
“No weight lifting probably until December,” said Gibbons, known for his muscular upper-body. “My legs will be huge next spring.”
Earlier this season, the Yankees reportedly considered voiding the contract of first baseman Jason Giambi, who has also been tied to steroids use, and is known to have met with Major League Baseball steroids investigator George Mitchell. Giambi is still on the Yankees payroll.
JAY GIBBONS TIMELINE
» Dec. 11, 2000: Orioles select Gibbons from Toronto in Rule 5 Draft
» April 2001: Makes Major League debut with Orioles, and hits 15 homers in rookie year
» Oct. 2003: Gibbons allegedly receives first shipment from Signature Pharmacy
» July 2005: Gibbons allegedly receives final shipment from Signature Pharmacy
» Aug. 2005: Gibbons teammate, Rafael Palmeiro suspended for failed drug test
» Sept. 27, 2005: Becomes the third Oriole to reach 100 homers in first five seasons
» Jan. 2006: Gibbons signs four-year, $21 million contract extension with the Orioles
» Aug. 2007: Undergoes season-ending shoulder surgery
» Sept. 2007: Linked to steroid and HGH distribution scandal involving Signature Pharmacy
