Chicago Cubs ace Jake Arrieta dismisses PEDs accusations
The reason why Chicago Cubs ace Jake Arrieta, who happens to be the 2015 NL Cy Young Award recipient, has become one of the best pitchers in the league today is because he gets help from performance-enhancing drugs. At least that is what his critics are saying.
During an interview with USA Today, the 30-year old admitted that he has full of it, referring to the accusations of PED use he's getting after his breakout year last season. But it's not the fans or the media he's talking to. "I've heard players, and I'm talking about some of the best players in the league, question whether I've taken steroids or not," he said. He called them either funny or idiots.
Well, there's probably good reason to get envious with Arrieta's recent success after a first couple of seasons in mediocrity. He started showing his true worth in the 2013 season and eventually unraveling in the 2014 and 2015 campaigns.
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Last season was particularly special for him, where he saw himself lead the league in games won (22) and finishing three shutouts and four complete games while also getting his very first no-hitter last season.
And with all those achievements in one season, it shouldn't be a surprise to be at the receiving end of doubts and skepticism. But Arrieta is quick to dismiss the accusations, saying that he never violated any rules in baseball or made moves to shortcut his greatness. He even said that he hopes that those who still use it will eventually get caught and be handed out with more serious penalties. In an interview with CBS, he said the only way for players to stop using is for the punishment to be upgraded. "It is apparent guys are still trying to take things. I think it's unfortunate, and I think guys will continue to do so unless the penalty is stiffer," he said.
