On March 17, 2005, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, Rafael Palmeiro, Curt Schilling, Frank Thomas and Jose Canseco stood in front of a House Government Reform Committee panel and talked — or didn’t, in some cases — about steroids. Here’s a look back at what they said and what has happened to them since.
Sammy Sosa
What he said: “I have never taken illegal performance-enhancing drugs. I have never injected myself or had anyone inject me with anything.”
Then what? A New York Times report in June claimed Sosa tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003. Sosa has not addressed the report.
Mark McGwire
What he said: “I’m not here to discuss the past. … My lawyers have advised me that I cannot answer these questions without jeopardizing my friends, my family or myself. I intend to follow their advice.”
Then what? Admitted Monday that he used steroids.
Rafael Palmeiro
What he said: “Let me start by telling you this. I have never used steroids, period.”
Then what? Five months later, Palmeiro tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug and received a 10-game suspension. “Today I am telling the truth again that I did not do this intentionally or knowingly.”
Curt Schilling
What he said: “In 19 years in the big leagues, I have never seen a syringe.”
Then what? He won a World Series ring with Boston in 2007. Announced his retirement in March after battling injuries.
Jose Canseco
What he said: “After this hearing, I will be happy to work with them in whatever way I can to help convey to the youth of America the message that steroid use is unnecessary.”
Then what? Wrote and released “Vindicated” in 2008 detailing steroids use in baseball.
Frank Thomas
What he said: Via videoconference, he said he never used steroids. He was invited for his outspoken anti-steroids stance.
Then what? Has not played baseball since August 2008, but he has not announced his retirement.
