SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Nelson Cruz spoke publicly for the first time Friday since he was linked to performance-enhancing drugs.
Cruz declined to comment on the specifics, even though he wants to tell the truth "really bad." Cruz said he would cooperate fully with MLB's investigation, although he has not been contacted by MLB investigators yet."I cannot make any comments about it at this time," Cruz said. "As soon as it's done, I'll address it and tell everything I know."Cruz said he was shocked when the Miami New Times published a report in late January that linked him and five other major leaguers to buying banned substances from an anti-aging clinic in the Miami area. It's been a rough couple of weeks for Cruz, who reported to spring training Friday morning."It's going to be hard, but hopefully God will help me go through this," Cruz said. "Hopefully I can go through this and my family and friends have supported me well."It was a shock. Really depressed me."Cruz said his lawyers advised him not to make any further comment on the statement they released that denied Cruz of any wrong doing."I want to speak and I want to talk, but my lawyer told me I can not say anything right now," Cruz said.Asked if he would help MLB's investigation, Cruz said: "Yeah. I don't know when it's going to happen but when it happens, I'll be free."I don’t worry at all. I know it’s going to come [out] good so hopefully it's done right and quick as possible."Cruz said he will go about spring training as he has in the past, and still plans to play for the Dominican in this year's World Baseball Classic.-- Drew Davison
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