Posted 3 years ago
Former Los Angeles Angels employee Brian “Bubba” Harkins said in court papers Thursday that multiple Cy Young winners and All-Star pitchers used an illegal pitching substance distributed by Harkins. Harkins has claimed that many former and current Angels players such as Troy Percival, Brendan Donnelly, Tyler Chatwood, Kevin Jepsen and, most recently, Cam Bedrosian, Keynan Middleton, Yusmeiro Petit, Luke Bard, Matt Andriese, Dylan Peters, Jose Suarez and Dylan Bundy, used the illegal substance. Also named were Gerrit Cole, Justin Verlander, Adam Wainwright, Corey Kluber and Felix Hernandez all used an illegal pitching substance to improve their grip on the ball.
Along with naming names, Harkins also submitted text messages, specifically from Gerrit Cole to says backs up his claims.
Harkins, 55, was fired by the Angels last March after it was determined he was making and distributing an illegal pitching substance to visiting players. Harkins was a member of the Angels for nearly four decades before he was fired by the team.
In response, Harkins filed a defamation lawsuit against the Angels and MLB in August. Harkins — who spoke to MLB attorneys in March as part of an investigation into foreign substances — believes the Angels tried to protect their players and the league didn’t want to deal with another scandal following the Houston Astros’ cheating scandal. Because of that, Harkins believes he was fired so he could be the “public scapegoat” for foreign substances.
Harkins’ attorney said he will seek at least $4 million if the case goes to trial. A judge is expected to make a ruling on whether Harkins’ case can proceed Jan. 21.
Topic: Sports
Tags: Gerrit Cole Justin Verlander Brian Harkins MLB cheating scandal