MLB issues statement after Schilling's PED comments

Major League Baseball responded Friday to comments from former Boston pitcher that Curt Schilling this week that he was encouraged by the Red Sox organization to take performance-enhancing drugs in 2008, saying it investigated the allegations and the matter is closed.

"At the time of the incident in question in 2008, the Boston Red Sox immediately reported the allegations to Major League Baseball as required by our investigative protocols," MLB said in a statement. " Once the Red Sox reported the matter, Major League Baseball assumed sole responsibility for the investigation. The club handled the matter consistent with all MLB rules and requirements and in a manner that was above reproach.

"Major League Baseball thoroughly investigated the allegations and considers the matter closed."

Schilling said Wednesday on ESPN Radio that teammates suggested PEDs as a possible means to extend his career. Schilling officially retired in 2009 because of shoulder problems with a 216-146 career record.

"At the end of my career, in 2008 when I had gotten hurt, there was a conversation that I was involved in, in which it was brought to my attention that this is a potential path I might want to pursue," Schilling told ESPN Radio.

Schilling said former members of the organization were involved.

"They're no longer there, but it was an incredibly uncomfortable conversation because it came up in the midst of a group of people," he said. "It was suggested to me that at my age, and in my situation, why not, what did I have to lose? Because if I wasn't going to get healthy, it didn't matter, and if I did get healthy, great."

The Boston Globe reported Thursday that MLB cleared the the person in question, who was fired by the team for a separate incident.