Garciaparra denies using steroids

April 23, 2005|Associated Press

Nomar Garciaparra flatly denied yesterday that he has used steroids, responding to a Bob Ryan column in yesterday's Globe that referred to questions about steroids without accusing the shortstop of using them.

"Without question, that is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard," Garciaparra told assembled reporters after the Cubs-Pirates game had been postponed.

"If I was taking steroids, should I send them back and get the good ones? Apparently I got the wrong one. They didn't work. I didn't get my money's worth."

Garciaparra, who suffered a ruptured tendon in his left groin this week, also said he plans to meet with doctors in a few days to see if he will need surgery. "I'm still gathering information about this injury and what it entails and what the rehab entails," he said. "There are both pros and cons to having the surgery and not having the surgery."

Garciaparra is on the 15-day disabled list but could miss several months. He was injured Wednesday in St. Louis when he slipped running out the batter's box. He collapsed and was helped from the field.