Joel Sherman says that Andy Pettitte must tell all today.
I see where he’s coming from – as many are upset that Andy “lied” in the past about using PEDs. Me? I’m not so down on him for this situation. It’s like this:
The speed limit is 55 MPH. And, one day, someone from the media asks you “Have you ever driven beyond the speed limit?” Now, you may say “yes” – because everyone drives over the speed limit. But, you could also say “no” – because you’re in a position to set an example to kids, and the like, and you don’t want them to follow your lead…even if everyone else is driving 70 MPH all the time. So, you “lie” and you say “No, I obey the law and drive fifty-five.”
Next, someone from the police says to you “We’ve noticed that a lot of cars are driving very fast, more than the speed limit, and, the other day, we noticed a car that looked just like yours flying by…but, we’re not 100% certain that is was you. Were you speeding the other day?”
What are you doing to do in this spot? Of course, you’re going to “lie” and say “Nope, wasn’t me. I don’t speed and I observe the law that says you can’t go faster than 55 MPH.” Again, if there’s a way to avoid putting yourself in a bad spot, setting a bad example, etc., why not go that route?
Lastly, you get busted for speeding. The cops pull you over doing 75 MPH on the radar gun. And, they give you a ticket to appear in court. Once there, you’re asked to place your hand over your heart and swear that you will tell the whole truth, etc., and, if you lie, you’re going to be held to the fire to the full extent of the law.
What do you think happens then? You confess – because they have you nailed. What else can you do?
Is the Pettitte situation any different? Yes, he “lied” in the past. But, it was a move to protect him, his family, and perhaps a move to keep others from following him, that was “doable” because no one had leverage on him. And, it was only once someone had the hammer that he had to ‘fess up.
I think this is a route that many other people would have followed – including those in the media. Therefore, this is why I cannot beat Pettitte up for not being truthful in the past.
7 Responses to “Pettitte Lied In The Past, But, Who Could Possible Throw A Stone On This?”
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February 18th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
In my opinion you’re rationalizing.
Except you’re not talking about a driving infraction, you’re referring to his livelihood and use of a substance without a prescription more than once. I don’t know if it’s a felony, but it might be.
I don’t know your feelings about Pettitte but I wonder if you would have the same opinion if Carl Pavano was in the same situation.
I don’t care whether he did it or not but the way people (not necessarily you) give Pettitte multiple passes are the same who seem to KNOW Clemens is lying.
February 18th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Lies from Andy Pettitte aren’t as bad as lies from anyone else. Got it.
February 18th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
what steve’s trying to say is many many people would act the same way as pettite in the same situation, and you know it. i would
February 18th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
I agree with you. This is about human being, nothing is just about baseball. No one is perfect. We are human being and we all make mistakes. It’s very hard for everyone to admit their mistakes. We all try to find a way to get by our mistakes.
February 18th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Look, Andy immediately admitted McNamee told the truth. Then, when he was under oath, Andy told them he also used HGH in 2004. He didn’t tell the public about the ‘04 incident because it involved his father. Lie by omission? Yes. Human? Yes. I respect him. Unlike Clemens, who clearly is lying, and under oath, Andy told the truth.
February 18th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
He didn’t tell the public about the ‘04 incident because it involved his father. Lie by omission? Yes.
______________________________
This is false. Here’s a lie of omission:
“Andy, did you use HGH in 2002?”
“Yes.”
Here’s is just telling a lie:
“Andy, did you use HGH in 2002?”
“Yes, I only used it that one time.”
Here’s Andy Pettitte’s released statement:
“In 2002 I was injured. I had heard that human growth hormone could promote faster healing for my elbow. I felt an obligation to get back to my team as soon as possible. For this reason, and only this reason, for two days I tried human growth hormone. Though it was not against baseball rules, I was not comfortable with what I was doing, so I stopped. This is it – two days out of my life; two days out of my entire career, when I was injured and on the disabled list.”
So, reading that statement, it’s pretty clear that Pettitte is telling all of us (his fans, etc) that he only used HGH for 2 days in his entire life. THAT’S A LIE!
Don’t get me wrong, I like Andy Pettitte and don’t put all of this HGH/steroid stuff on his shoulders, but come on people. He used HGH, he lied about it in his publicly issued statement (several days after his agent issued a statement that Andy had no comment at that time, and that he would be consulting his union and his attorneys.) Anyone who doesn’t think Andy Pettitte is getting an easier pass on this than he deserves is kidding themselves.
February 18th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
It’s very popular and profitable these days to say a Yankee, and in particular Andy, “lied.” First, if at any point I or anyone else, including ballplayers, doesn’t give a truthful or complete answer to any member of the media, it’s not a lie. First, no one has to answer any question they ask you. It’s their own celebrity they’re after. They’re not a clergyman or court of law, many of their newspapers don’t have “corrections” pages so they can say whatever they want. The so-called Mitchell Report never should’ve been issued as it was extremely limited. But apparently the powers that be knew the Yankees wouldn’t complain, would allow plenty of lying by the press about this matter about their team forever. Certain newspapers have run headlines that Andy took steroids–that’s definitely a “lie” but nothing bad happened to them.