The Fine Line of HGH

Well, I am a new contributor to The Holy Diamond. I have to give Scott a measure of thanks for allowing me to express my baseball related thoughts here, in the most appropriate of venues.

I've spent some time listening to the press conference held by Andy Pettitte at Yankees' Spring Training yesterday regarding his past use of HGH and his Congressional testimony. For those who aren't hip to the news, Pettitte is a pitcher who has been mentored by one of the all-time greats, Roger Clemens. Clemens has come under so intense scrutiny recently over alleged use of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and steroids to prolong his floundering career in the late 90's and early 00's.

Clemens has adamantly denied the allegations, but he, along with Pettitte and some others were called before Congress to testify under oath. During his interview, Pettitte admitted to a limited HGH use in an attempt to recover from an injury. Pettitte had been told by Clemens that he also used HGH. Years later, when steroids became a big issue, Pettitte asked Clemens what he would say if anyone asked about steroids. According to Pettitte, Clemens denied ever having told Pettitte that he used banned substances.

Essentially, Pettitte made a sworn statement that, while not implicating Clemens, doesn't make him look so good. Now there is this "debate" about whether Pettitte should have spoken out. Apparently baseball's unwritten players "code" precludes speaking about the indiscretions of other players. Pettitte has defended himself by saying that he would not lie under oath.

Andy Pettitte has long been my favorite living player. He's been a bastion of morality and an outstanding individual throughout his career. For this reason I was upset to hear that he stooped to this level, even if it was a one time mistake. There is really no excuse for succumbing to this kind of pressure other than the age old defense of human nature.

Pettitte has chosen not to take the easy way out. He has not hid behind lies and excuses in an attempt to shade his guilt. I greatly respect his choice to speak the truth, one that could not have been easy and may come at a great price. He, among so few, has stood up for integrity when society decries the virtues of its heroes.

There is no way to know exactly how Clemens will respond. Pettitte stated his wish that the friendship would continue, but past action leads me to believe Clemens won't respond in kind. It's a tragic scenario when one must choose between integrity and friendship. I am only consoled by the notion that a true friend would understand the tension inherent in the decision and be strong enough to walk through it together.

This is a difficult issue to consider. On the one hand, I would rather celebrate all those professional athletes who have had the integrity to avoid banned substances entirely. On the other, I want to honor one flawed man who has had the courage to stand up for what's right, even if he failed the same test once before. Which is the more difficult challenge? I pray I will never know, but also for the strength to do as Andy Pettitte has done when I inevitably find out.