Statement of Andy Pettitte issued through Randy Hendricks

First, I would like to say that contrary to media reports, I have never

used steroids. I have no idea why the media would say that I have used

steroids, but they have done so repeatedly. This is hurtful to me and

my family.

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.

If what I did was an error in judgment on my part, I apologize. I

accept responsibility for those two days. Everything else written or

said about me knowingly using illegal drugs is nonsense, wrong and

hurtful. I have the utmost respect for baseball and have always tried

to live my life in a way that would be honorable. I wasn’t looking for

an edge; I was looking to heal.

If I have let down people that care about me, I am sorry, but I hope

that you will listen to me carefully and understand that two days of

perhaps bad judgment should not ruin a lifetime of hard work and

dedication. I have tried to do things the right way my entire life,

and, again, ask that you put those two days in the proper context.

People that know me will know that what I say is true.