Ex-MLBer Segui backs PEDs: 'This doesn't take away from the game'

Former major-league outfielder David Segui believes the juice is worth the squeeze when it comes to performance-enhancing drugs. And he doesn't think PED use is a simple matter of right or wrong.

"People talk about morality," Segui told Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports. "Well, when has morality been part of professional sports? When has morality been part of baseball? Find me the era. This doesn't take away from the game. Tell me one sport that's clean?

"Do I think we have a responsibility to be good humans and citizens? Absolutely. But when I die, and they say at the pearly gates that the worst thing I did was take medicine to be stronger and faster and be a better ballplayer, I like my chances."

Players are suspended if caught using a banned substance, but teams cannot currently void contracts because of it. Segui acknowledged this leads some players to believe the chance to improve is worth the risk of punishment.

"This is not baseball's fault," he said. "They're doing everything they can, but it's something that always is going to exist. You're never going to stop it completely. Guys will always find ways and means to circumvent the system any way possible."

Segui admitted in 2006 he had a prescription for human growth hormone. He finished his career with a .291 batting average and 139 home runs in 1,456 games with the Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets, Montreal Expos (now the Washington Nationals), Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, and Cleveland Indians.