Ueberroth Absolves Madlock : Dodger Is Cleared of an Accusation From Drug Trial

Baseball Commissioner Peter Ueberroth, in his first statement since completing his investigation into last summer’s Pittsburgh drug trials, said Friday that Dodger third baseman Bill Madlock had been wrongfully accused of using and distributing amphetamines, and would not be disciplined.

“Bill Madlock’s reputation on and off the field is above reproach,” Ueberroth said in a prepared statement. “I am appreciative of his willing and sincere cooperation during what must have been a difficult time for him.”

Ueberroth, in a three-paragraph statement, mentioned only Madlock by name in saying that he had completed a series of meetings with 24 players who have either undergone rehabilitation for substance abuse or were mentioned in the Pittsburgh trials.

The interviews have been conducted in secrecy, but by leading off with a positive statement that separated Madlock from the others, Ueberroth seemed to imply that some will be disciplined.

Said a spokesman in the commissioner’s office: “I can’t say for certain, but I believe that interpretation to be accurate.”

When will Ueberroth make it clear?

“I don’t know,” the spokesman said. “He still has more material to go through, but I would expect it to be soon. Most of the clubs open their training camps next week.”

Among those interviewed by Ueberroth were seven players--Dave Parker, Keith Hernandez, Lonnie Smith, Jeff Leonard, John Milner, Dale Berra and Dodger Enos Cabell--who testified with immunity in the trial of Curtis Strong, a former clubhouse caterer for the Philadelphia Phillies. Strong was convicted of selling cocaine and sentenced to 12 years in prison. He was one of seven men indicted for selling drugs to players.

Also interviewed by the commissioner were 12 players whose names surfaced during testimony. They are Joaquin Andujar, Rod Scurry, Dusty Baker, Lary Sorensen, Derrel Thomas, Dickie Noles, Manny Sarmiento, Gary Matthews, Lee Lacy, Tim Raines, Al Holland and Madlock.

Ueberroth also met with five players--Alan Wiggins, Claudell Washington, Mike Norris, Vida Blue and former Angel Daryl Sconiers--who have undergone rehabilitation for chemical abuse.

Of Uebberoth’s statement clearing Madlock, attorney Steve Greenberg said: “We’re gratified at the way Bill has been singled out in a positive sense, but we had been absolutely certain there would be no discipline.

“The commissioner was very sensitive to the fact that Bill’s name should never have been brought up (in the testimony), that at no time had he been interviewed by the FBI or grand jury.

“The only testimony involving Bill came from Dale Berra, who seemed to mention everyone he had ever played with and alluded to Bill having allegedly kept a supply of amphetamines in his locker.

“The commissioner examined the evidence and agreed that the pills Berra alluded to were prescribed diet pills that Bill used on occasion because of the weight clause in his contract.”

Madlock and Berra were teammates in Pittsburgh when Madlock signed a six-year contract that carried a $125,000 annual bonus if he maintained a certain weight over the course of the season.

The Dodger policy against incentive provisions resulted in the contract being rewritten at the time of last season’s trade, eliminating the weight bonus, and another based on the number of games Madlock played.

Madlock said Friday that the commissioner’s statement was not unexpected.

“I know the kind of reputation I have in the game and I knew I hadn’t done anything,” he said. “This was a cocaine trial, and to have made such a big thing over diet pills was ridiculous.

“I never used greenies or amphetamines and I never passed out any.”

Madlock conceded, however, that Ueberroth’s statement took some pressure off him and his family. “I mean, I can say I wasn’t involved, but it carries more impact coming from the commissioner,” he said.

“The bottom line is that I would never do anything to damage the game’s reputation or my own. I have four kids, and they know what kind of father they’ve got. I want them to have fun remembering my involvement with the game and the other players they’ve met.

“They know that the only trouble I ever get in is with the umpires.”