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To date, Gregg Zaun has not spoken publicly about his inclusion in the Mitchell Report. And how out of character is that?
This is the same Zaun who broadcasts on television, comments on just about every-thing, and has made himself into the go-to interview in the Blue Jays clubhouse.
So why with the silence now? According to sources, Zaun has wanted to address the evidence that connects him to steroid usage in the Mitchell Report, but the Players' Association has urged him to remain silent. The same sources indicate he will take questions on the Mitchell Report when the Blue Jays open spring training next week.
The Mitchell Report claims Zaun used Deca-Durabolin and Winstrol earlier in his career and a cancelled cheque to dealer Kirk Radomski shows an apparent purchase made by the catcher. Zaun, sources say, admits the cheque is his, admits the signature is his, but questions the handwriting where the name Radomski appears on the cheque. The purchase amount was only $500 US.
Also, according to the report, one of Zaun's previous managers was concerned about his steroid usage and bullpen catcher Luis Perez told baseball investigators that he supplied Zaun with steroids. All of this apparently occurred before Zaun joined the Blue Jays.
Still, there is some explaining to do for the 36-year-old catcher. His broadcast future, if anything, may depend on it.
THIS AND THAT
John Ferguson has left the building, but his mistakes have not. Apparently, two Maple Leafs scouts urged Ferguson to sign Swedish free agent Fabian Brunnstrom last winter but Fergie declined. Now everybody, including the Leafs, is trying to sign this late-bloomer at a much higher price. Also, at last year's trade deadline, Ferguson acquired Yanic Perreault from the Phoenix Coyotes for, in part, a second-round draft pick this year. That pick could end up as the 31st or 32nd choice overall come June. Ouch ... Why do the Leafs need a change of culture? Word around is that none of Mats Sundin, Tomas Kaberle, Darcy Tucker and Bryan McCabe will waive their no-trade deals. At least, as of now, that's their story. What's worse is that word comes from Tucker and Sundin that they "believe in this team." Wonder how many years in a row they have to miss the playoffs before they stop believing ... Year in, year out, the best NHL player nobody talks about: Marty Turco of the Dallas Stars. All he does is win ... Watched one episode of MVP: The Secret Lives Of Hockey Wives. Not sure I'll watch another.
HEAR AND THERE
Ted Rogers has been in on the ground floor of FM radio in Canada, cable television, the growth of the internet and the cellular phone industry, so the NFL in Canada may be just another first for the arrogant, amusing and accomplished Mr. Rogers ... Roger and Debbie Clemens: Mr. and Mrs. Human Growth Hormone. How quaint ... In defeat, Bill Belichick is as much a contemptuous creep as he is in victory ... Has it really been 1,000 games for the Toronto Raptors? Seems like only yesterday that B.J. Tyler was falling asleep on a trainer's table with an ice pack on, essentially bringing an end to his NBA career before it ever started ... I heard Paul Maurice on radio the other day saying the Leafs' season was crushed by the injuries to the yet unaccomplished players, Kyle Wellwood and Carlo Colaiacovo. Tell that to the people in Colorado who are playing without Joe Sakic, Paul Stastny and Ryan Smyth and have the eighth-best record in the NHL ... Toronto wants the Buffalo Bills for the very same reason that Winnipeg wants the Jets instead of the Manitoba Moose.
SCENE AND HEARD
Still out of work: Barry Bonds ... Before Shaquille O'Neal ended up in Phoenix, the New Jersey Nets offered Miami old pal Vince Carter in exchange ... It was a nice story that Canadian Nick Kaczur started at tackle for the New England Patriots all season long. Not so nice was the way Kaczur was shoved around by Michael Strahan of the New York Giants in the Super Bowl. In fact, the whole offensive line of the Pats was manhandled by the Giants ... Brandon Lyon, waived by the Blue Jays way too soon, has been named closer for the Arizona Diamondbacks ... Is it just me, or are the Washington Capitals a decent goalie away from being a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference? Olaf Kolzig was a decent goalie, just not so much any more ... A Sunday Stat you can't live without: According to the Boston Herald, Tom Brady is 0-1 in Super Bowls played with Gisele Bundchen as his girlfriend but is 2-0 when involved with Bridget Moynahan and 1-0 with Laura Kinsman.
AND ANOTHER THING
A Peter Forsberg Warning: The Nashville Predators were just about the best team in the NHL when they acquired Forsberg last winter. They were never that once Forsberg arrived. Forsberg is an ancient 34, and has played one full season in the past six. Don't expect much from him anymore ... Bad week for former NFL receiver Cris Carter. Not only did he get ripped off by the Pro Football Hall of Fame voters, who somehow voted Art Monk in ahead of him, but his television show Inside the NFL was dropped by HBO. For the record, Carter caught more balls for more yards and 62 more touchdowns (130 to 68) than did Monk in careers of similar length ... Canadian first baseman Justin Morneau is signed for the long-term with the Minnesota Twins but we wonder how happy he will be without Johan Santana pitching or Torii Hunter in centre field ... With the NBA trade deadline approaching, hasn't Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo been way too quiet? His team needs rebounding help to be any kind of playoff threat. Without it, the Raptors are first-round fodder again ... And hey, whatever became of Tim Kerr?