Albert Pujols Wins Apology From Jack Clark, Drops Defamation Suit

June 27, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Albert Pujols (5) at bat against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

There is a funny thing about allegations. Throwing them out there will win you instant notoriety, but you better have some juice to back up your claims. That was the case when former Cardinals slugger Jack Clark took to the radio and told the American public that he knew “for a fact” that Los Angeles Angels, and former Cardinals, first baseman Albert Pujols took performance enhancing drugs.

Well, he may have exaggerated the caliber of his evidence.

According to Derrick Gould of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Jack Clark and Albert Pujols came to an agreement to end their proceedings when Pujols dropped his defamation lawsuit against Clark when Clark issued the following statement.

"“I would like to address Albert Pujols’ pending defamation lawsuit and re-confirm that I have no knowledge whatsoever that Mr. Pujols has ever used illegal or banned PEDs. I publicly retract my statements that Albert Pujols used such substances. During a heated discussion on air, I misspoke and for that I sincerely apologize.”"

In turn, Pujols’ camp released their own reaction to the Clark statement.

"“I have accepted Jack Clark’s retraction and apology to resolve my lawsuit against him and clear my name.”"

It took nearly six months for Clark to retract his statement, but it was a little too late for Clark and his radio career. He was let go from his position immediately following the comment. However, it comes at a perfect time for Albert Pujols, who enters camp looking to prepare for a pivotal season, both for Pujols and the Angels. Pujols appeared in just 99 games last season and was a shell of his former self, posting career-lows in batting average, slugging percentage, home runs, RBI, and was on pace for a career-high in strike-outs.

Having this behind him allows Pujols to enter the season with a clear docket, and a clear mind. Of course, having a healthy, productive season again will help put those rumors to ease in the eyes of the court of public opinion as well.