Time to speak out, Matt Williams

June 17th, 2009, 9:20 am · Post a Comment · posted by Scott Bordow

The news that Sammy Sosa tested positive for performance enhancing drugs in 2003 – and possibly lied to Congress – got me thinking about former Diamondbacks third baseman Matt Williams.
You might remember that in November of 2007, a story surfaced saying Williams had bought $11,600 worth of steroids, growth hormone (HGH) and other drugs on March 9, 2002, almost two weeks after he suffered a dislocated left ankle and a broken left fibula during spring training.
Williams declined to talk to reporters but told KTVK, Ch. 3, “Do I regret it? I tried to heal. It had adverse effects and I didn’t like it. I quit. Who was responsible? I was. I could have said no, but I didn’t.”
And that was that.
Except, it was also reported that Williams placed three more orders totaling about $11,000 for additional growth hormone and syringes in 2004 and 2005.
So he didn’t exactly quit when he said he did.
The Diamondbacks continue to employ Williams as a special assistant to team president Derrick Hall, his job responsibilities everything from teaching Mark Reynolds how to play third base to broadcasting games.
At the time, I said I wished Williams would have come clean with the media rather than conduct a quick, softball interview with Ch. 3, which employed his wife. I believed the public would have forgiven him and been appreciative that he was honest and forthcoming, as opposed to the excuses and lies we hear from players like Alex Rodriguez and Manny Ramirez.
Williams has a second chance today. He could be the first major league player to not only openly and honestly address his use of performance enhancing drugs, but to use that position as a platform against such substances.
Imagine the good Williams could do if spoke to high school athletes across the Valley. Kids are numb to media outrage over steroid use, but they would listen to Williams. If he convinced one teenager to stay away from steroids, then any discomfort he experienced by talking about his past would be worth it.
I’m urging you, Matt. Be honest. Speak out. The game needs your voice.

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