Yankees' Cervelli Faces Media, Addresses Link To Alleged PED Clinic
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli says he consulted with Biogenesis of America LLC after a foot injury, but did not receive any treatment from the facility.
Cervelli said a recommendation to visit the clinic did not come from another player or an agent. He declined to name the person who gave the recommendation.
"I checked with doctors, people, and somebody recommended me to Biogenesis," Cervelli said Wednesday before New York's first spring training workout for pitchers and catchers. "I went there for, maybe, suggestions, and that's it. I walked away with nothing. No (therapy). I just went there, talked, and that's it."
Francisco Cervelli
The Miami New Times reported last month that Cervelli's teammate, Alex Rodriguez, bought human growth hormone and other performance-enhancing substances in recent years from Biogenesis, a now-closed clinic in Coral Cables near the three-time AL MVP's offseason home.
"Look at me. If you check the numbers, I know it doesn't matter, but if you check the numbers and everything, you know, I don't use that stuff," Cervelli said of PEDs.
Cervelli said he had not talked about Biogenesis with Rodriguez.
"No ... never," Cervelli said.
Major League Baseball is investigating the possible link between players and Biogenesis. Cervelli has not been contacted by MLB officials.
"I believe they have an open investigation right now, so I don't have a lot of things to say," Cervelli said. "If they have to come to me, I will be able to talk to them."
Cervelli sought outside consultations after hurting his foot in 2011.
"Right now, I realize that maybe it's a mistake to go there, but it's already happened," Cervelli said. "So, what can I do?"
Cervelli said he has never used a substance banned by baseball.
"At that moment, I don't know what kind of clinic it was," he said. "I take my responsibility. Nobody put a gun (to) my head to go there."
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