CPD
Cleveland Indians' Paul Byrd won't be punished for using HGH
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Joe Maxse
Paul Byrd showed he had not lost a sense of humor over a situation that was no laughing matter. The Indians pitcher expressed relief with MLB's announcement Friday that it would not discipline players who had been named in the Mitchell Report.
"This brings back memories of being in a tunnel on a rainy day," said Byrd, referring to the press conference he held at Fenway Park before Game 7 of last season's ALCS. "I didn't think it was bothering me, but it was. I was worried about a suspension. I'm very relieved."
It was reported last fall that Byrd had purchased $25,000 in human growth hormone to treat a pituitary gland problem from 2002-05. Byrd joined the Indians in 2006.

As part of the agreement between MLB and the players' association, those named in the report will join in efforts to educate athletes about performance-enhancing drugs.
"I'm glad MLB took the time and did it right," said Byrd, who is off to an 0-2 start this season. "I'm pleased with the outcome. I opened up my big mouth in Boston. But I stand behind my story. The things I said in Boston were accurate."
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