It is fair to say that Andy Pettitte was an underrated pitcher during his time with the New York Yankees and the Houston Astros, and that he was one of the best pitchers in Yankees history. Yet, being overshadowed may also be the reason why his PED usage is forgotten.
Named in the Mitchell Report in 2007, Pettitte made what has been a rare move for players either caught using PEDs or accused of doing so – he admitted to his transgressions. He stated that he used HGH in 2002 while recuperating from an elbow injury, and later added his usage in 2004 as he came back from a shoulder issue.
Pettitte also was remembered for throwing Clemens under the PED bus, stating that his former teammate in New York and Houston told him he used HGH. Clemens would say that Pettitte did not remember the conversation correctly, but Clemens already tarnished reputation took another hit.
It is known that, as quick as we may be to tear our idols down after building them up, a heartfelt apology can make a huge difference in how we feel about them. Pettitte did just that, turning the backlash against PED users into an outpouring of forgiveness. Human nature, right?
That apology should not change what Pettitte did, nor should it cause his transgressions with PED usage, which he admitted, to be swept aside. Andy Pettitte used PEDs at least twice, and admitted to it. We cannot pretend that did not happen.
Next: So what now?