Jack Clark has been fired by WGNU 920AM in St. Louis after claiming that former Cardinals star Albert Pujols and Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander took steroids. Clark was just one week into his job as a co-host of the afternoon drive with Kevin Slaten.
The station fired Clark after Pujols threatened legal action. Slaten was also let go. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch first reported their release.
Aside from being out of work, Clark also faces a potential court battle against Pujols who released the following statement on Friday:
I’ve said time and time again that I would never take, or even consider taking, anything illegal. I’ve been tested hundreds of times throughout my career and never once have I tested positive. It is irresponsible and reckless for Jack Clark to have falsely accused me of using PED’s. My faith in Jesus Christ, and my respect for this game are too important to me. I would never be able to look my wife or kids in the eye if I had done what this man is accusing me of.
I know people are tired of athletes saying they are innocent, asking for the public to believe in them, only to have their sins exposed later down the road. But I am not one of those athletes, and I will not stand to have my name and my family’s name, dragged through the mud.
I am currently in the process of taking legal action against Jack Clark and his employers at WGNU 920AM. I am going to send a message that you cannot act in a reckless manner, like they have, and get away with it. If I have to be the athlete to carry the torch and pave the way for other innocent players to see that you can do something about it, I am proud to be that person. I have five young children and I take being a role model very seriously. The last thing I want is for the fans, and especially the kids out there, to question my reputation and character.
Pujols has been out since July 26 with a foot injury. Prior to hitting the disabled list he held a .258/.330/.437 line with 17 home runs and 64 RBI in 99 games for the Los Angeles Angels.
