ST. PETERSBURG, Florida, 1 June 2004 — New York Yankees standout Gary Sheffield told the New York Daily News that he feels federal officials looking into the BALCO steroid doping scandal are seeking fame more than sport justice.
The Major League Baseball standout, one of several top players targeted in the BALCO scandal that has rocked athletics, told the News that investigators want the glory of bringing down a sports star.
"We both know that if I retired and wasn't who I am, they wouldn't be calling me (out) anymore or trying to dig things up," Sheffield said. "I've lived my whole life in the public eye. I don't have any skeletons in the closet. How can I? Everyone has seen everything I've ever done. But maybe that's exactly what they're after."
A two-year ban was imposed upon American sprinter Kelli White after she admitted doping despite not having tested positive, a non-analytical positive that could set up more such United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) bans.
Sprinters Marion Jones and Tim Montgomery have denied wrongdoing even as they have been investigated regarding improper drug use. Jones has said she will go to court to fight an Olympic ban because she has no positive drug test.
Sheffield said that leaks in the investigation that keep BALCO and bans in the news are not coincidental.
"If someone is coming after you, there is a reason," he said. "You like to believe that people will judge you on what you do and who you are and that's it, but not everyone can do that. Some people will always look for something else and I can't do anything about those people but ignore them."
