Epstein: Remarks about Arrieta, PEDs ‘reckless’

5:16 PM ET

CHICAGO — Cubs president Theo Epstein came to the defense of Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta on Thursday regarding “accusations” of potential performance-enhancing drug use.

“I saw the clip of essentially an accusation on the ESPN morning show [First Take],” Epstein told the Kap & Co. Show on ESPN 1000 in Chicago. “I found it to be completely reckless. It’s someone who has never met Jake, as far as I know, has never been in our clubhouse. I don’t know if he’s ever watched him pitch. [He] would make that type of accusation without talking to anyone who knows Jake and anyone who understands his work ethic and changes that he’s made.”

Epstein spoke publicly on the matter for the first time, calling it his “job” to defend his star pitcher. The controversy began after Arrieta mentioned that other “star” players in the league had questioned whether he was cheating. Arrieta said he laughed off those whispers, but a First Take segment Wednesday included commentary indicating that it was no laughing matter.

Cubs president …

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