Howard Denies Doping Report, Attorney Threatens Lawsuit

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (6) runs the bases after hitting a two RBI home run during the third inning against the Chicago Cubs at Citizens Bank Park. | Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Phillies’ first baseman Ryan Howard is denying an Al Jazeera report he used performance enhancing drugs, and his attorney is threatening to sue the TV network for the allegations. The source of Al Jazeera’s report has recanted his allegations.

William Burck. the attorney for both Howard and the Washington Nationals’ Ryan Zimmerman — also named in the report — told 6ABC court action could be forthcoming.
“It’s inexcusable and irresponsible that Al Jazeera would provide a platform and broadcast outright lies about Mr. Howard and Mr. Zimmerman,” Burck said. “The extraordinarily reckless claims made against our clients in this report are completely false and rely on a source who has already recanted his claims. We will go to court to hold Al Jazeera and other responsible parties accountable for smearing our clients’ good names.”

The Phillies have issued a statement of support — as well as a promise to cooperate with any investigation MLB performs:

https://twitter.com/jaysonst/status/681311795760467968/photo/1

Charlie Sly, the source of the accusations — he said Howard used Delta-2 hormone — tried to pre-empt them with a YouTube denial, the Washington Post reports: “To be clear: I am recanting any such statements and there is no truth to any statement of mine that Al Jazeera plans to air. Under no circumstances should any of those statements, recordings or communications be aired.”

More to come.