In Torre book, trainer says some Jays used drugs

[February 02, 2009]  AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) -- A new book by former New York Yankees manager Joe Torre contains allegations that members of the Toronto Blue Jays used amphetamines while former pitcher Roger Clemens was with the team.

"The Yankee Years" by Torre and Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci contains allegations by Brian McNamee, Clemens' former trainer, that the Blue Jays were enveloped in the amphetamine use that was allegedly widespread in baseball at that time.

"I didn't know one pitcher on Toronto's team that wasn't taking them when he pitched," McNamee claims in the book. "It's speed. Guys were 'beaning up' to play golf after workouts."

McNamee, who was hired by the Blue Jays when Clemens was with the team from 1997-98, also claimed former Toronto general manager Gord Ash "did not want to know if players were doping."

Ash, now an assistant GM with the Milwaukee Brewers, replied to the allegations in an e-mail to the Globe and Mail.

"I don't know or have reason to suspect that the Blue Jays were unique and there were no obvious issues," Ash stated. "Our medical staff never brought any abuse to my attention.

"We did place a great deal of emphasis on education and were one of the few clubs to have a full-time EAP (employee assistance program) director."

"The Yankee Years" will be released Tuesday.

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[Associated Press]

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