UPDATE (4:06 PM): One correction made by Pettitte’s lawyer - he signed his contract on 12/06/07, nearly a week before the Mitchell Report was released. Pettitte said earlier in the PC that he though it might have been the day before.
UPDATE (4:03 PM): Peter Abraham gets the last question and maybe the only guy to ask two. Pete asked which Steinbrenners he talked to and Pettitte said all three - Big Stein, Hank and Hal. All were supportive of Pettitte. Press conference has ended. Neither Brian Cashman or Joe Girardi who were seated on either side of Pettitte was asked a question.
UPDATE (4:01 PM): Pettitte said he was thankful that he didn’t have to testify and thanked his lawyers for getting him out of it. Pettitte’s faith played an integral part in this whole ordeal so much so that he almost quoted Romans 13 versus 1-5 from the Bible. He then said - “I just needed to tell the truth under oath”.
UPDATE (3:57 PM): Pettitte is now talking about his preparation for the 2008 season. He said he’s ready, but physically his workouts haven’t been as intense as he would have liked due to travel and talking to lawyers. Says his arm feels great but is behind on his legs.
UPDATE (3:53 PM): Just exchanged an email with David Pinto of Baseball Musings who is also live blogging the press conference and he thinks Pettitte is doing well because of his calm demeanor. I have to agree. Andy looks completely relaxed and doesn’t seem rattled by the wide range of questions being thrown his way.
UPDATE (3:48 PM): Regarding Clemens, Pettitte does feel their relationship now is “strained”.
UPDATE (3:46 PM): Expects to have “blinders on” during the season and hopes God will give him the strength to focus on the batter and Posada’s mitt when he steps out on the mound.
UPDATE (3:45 PM): Pettitte said that McNamee was completely truthful in his statement about his HGH use. He couldn’t speak to McNamee’s motives regarding Clemens, however.
UPDATE (3:43 PM): Pettitte thinks of himself as a role-model and is really hurt by the media coverage that said he was a “steroid user” instead of an “HGH” user. He cares how people think of him.
UPDATE (3:38 PM): Joe Girardi was a persuasive force in getting Andy back to Tampa. He said the easy way out of not having to face the music so to speak would have been “cowardly”.
UPDATE (3:36 PM): Pettitte also said that the Steinbrenners are and will be supportive.
UPDATE (3:35 PM): Last time he spoke with Clemens was about a month ago.
UPDATE (3:34 PM): The New York beat guys are getting in there questions now. Kevin Kernan asked Pettitte if the HGH helped him recover. Pettitte said he didn’t really think so. George King asked Pettitte who told him he was in the Mitchell report. Pettitte thinks McNamee gave him a heads up several days prior to the relaease of the report.
UPDATE (3:29 PM): Peter Abraham just asked Pettitte if there were any other times that he used HGH. He said no.
UPDATE (3:28 PM): Pettitte is really trying to explain that he didn’t do this to get an edge, he did it to heal faster. He doesn’t think he’s a cheater, but he said it was a stupid thing to do. As far as getting it from his Dad, he explains that “:desperation and stupidity” played a big part in that decision.
UPDATE (3:25 PM): Said he doesn’t feel like he misled the club when he signed his current one year deal for $16 million dollars a day before the Mitchell Report came out. Question was asked by Mark Feinsand - Great question.
UPDATE (3:23 PM): McNamee told Pettitte that HGH could help him, but he also said that Pettitte “wouldn’t feel right doing it”. Pettitte also says that both Clemens and McNamee are his friends and there is no ill will. He loves them both and it’s a horrible situation.
UPDATE (3:19 PM): Pettitte said that McNamee discouraged him from using HGH, but he thought if it could help him recover faster, he needed to do it. He was told it would help repair tissue tissue, but says he didn’t know much about it. Also explains that he didn’t feel “right” or “good” about doing it. Mentions that he’ll have to “stand before God” and the “truth” will set him free.
UPDATE (3:16 PM): Pettitte explains that it’s been a tough offseason (that’s an understatement). Says he won’t talk about the comments where Clemens said he “misremembered” what the two had discussed about HGH and steroids.
UPDATE (3:11 PM): OPENING STATEMENT
- Thanks the Yankees and his family
- Says he’s sorry to his family and the teams he’s played for
- Explains that he took HGH to heal and get back from the DL
- Never wanted to get between McNamee (Mac) and Clemens
- Said he made a mistake by not telling everyone about the HGH he received from his Dad.
- Wants to put it all behind him
Very short statement, about 3 and 1/2 minutes long. Posada, Rivera and Jeter are there to show support. Also says that he has not spoken to Clemens since the hearing.
UPDATE (3:04 PM):Pettitte just walked into a tent where the press conference is being held. Cashman and Girardi are on either side of the Pettitte. He’s wearing dark blue jeans and a blue polo shirt. Everyone will be available after the PC, including his lawyers. Introductions are being given and it looks like Pettitte will begin his opening statement.
UPDATE (2:34 PM): A few things before the press conference begins. Pettitte arrived around 11:30 a.m. this morning and proceeded to the Yankees minor-league complex where he threw a 35-pitch bullpen session with pitching coach Dave Eiland in attendance.
Manager Joe Girardi said today that it’s important for Pettitte to tell his side of the story - I don’t think it will be awkward for him,” Girardi said. “He’s going to do this press conference and I think it’s important he do it. The fans and media are interested in what he has to say. Atter that it should be business as usual.”
Andy Pettitte will hold a 3PM press conference today at Legends Field.
I’ll be live blogging the event, so check back for more details.
