Albert Pujols has followed through on his threat to file suit against former major leaguer Jack Clark, who in August said on his radio show that he knew the Angels slugger had used steroids earlier in his career.
In the lawsuit, which was filed Friday morning in St. Louis County, Clark is accused of making statements that were “malicious, reckless and outrageous falsehoods.”
Pujols released a statement through his agent, Dan Lozano, of MVP Sports Group:
“Today, I have filed a lawsuit against Jack Clark for defamation because of comments he made on his radio program earlier this year, falsely accusing me of using performance enhancing drugs. My lawyers have told me that the upcoming legal fight will not be an easy one, and that in cases like this even a liar can sometimes be protected under the law. But as a man of faith, I have never shied away from standing up for the truth, and I believe that the principles at stake are too important to sit back and do nothing. I believe we are all accountable for the things we do and say, and it was important for me to stand up for what was right against those who would seek to drag me down to try and build themselves up. I have always believed in the principles of honesty and accountability, and will continue to fight for them here.
“Athletes are judged every day by their comments and actions off the field as well as their performance on it. When we fail or make mistakes, we face consequences. I believe members of the media should be held to the same standard. When they lie, make false accusations, and outrageous claims of ‘fact’ to try and drive ratings or make a name for themselves, they should have to face up to the damage and injury they cause to an innocent person’s reputation. … Whether or not I am successful in accomplishing that here, I can sleep at night knowing I have done the right thing in pursuing this case to fight for the truth of my innocence.”
Clark’s attorney, Chet Pleban, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he and Clark are prepared to defend his statements in court.
“Jack has said all along and, certainly, continues to say that if Albert Pujols wants to file the lawsuit, he looks forward to defending the lawsuit before 12 unbiased people who don’t have a horse in the race,” Pleban said. “And we’ll look forward to the discovery process and the deposition of Mr. Pujols. I have a variety of questions for Mr. Pujols.”
Pujols, who signed a 10-year, $240-million deal with the Angels before the 2012 season, missed the final two months of his second season with the Angels because of a torn plantar fascia. When he was already on the disabled list, Clark said on his show on radio station WGNU in St. Louis that he was told Pujols’ former trainer, Chris Milhfield, had injected Pujols with steroids.
“I know for a fact he was (a steroid user),” Clark said on the air.
Pujols responded a few days later with a terse statement in which he denied the accusations and threatened action against Clark.
“I’ve said time and time again that I would never take, or even consider taking, anything illegal,” Pujols said in the August statement. “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.”
Clark no longer has a show on WGNU, which cut ties with him after the controversial statements.
NO NEWS
Manager Mike Scioscia and GM Jerry Dipoto remain in limbo as they have throughout the first week of the offseason, with no word from the club about whether either will return next season.
Although the Angels technically would not have to make any formal announcement if they were keeping both, it is believed the organization would do so to end public speculation. As each day passes without an announcement, there is a growing belief they will be back.
Owner Arte Moreno, who ultimately will make the call on both men, has not responded to repeated interview requests from Southern California media outlets.
ANGELS CLAIM WALL
The Angels made their first roster move of the winter, claiming right-handed reliever Josh Wall on waivers from the Miami Marlins.
Wall, 26, had been with the Dodgers before he was included in the Ricky Nolasco deal this summer. Wall had a 4.56 ERA in 45 games with the Dodgers’ and Marlins’ Triple-A teams. He has a career 4.96 ERA in parts of nine minor league seasons.
Contact the writer: jlfletcher@ocregister.com
