Jake Arrieta 'flattered' by PED accusations

Alec Brzezinski

Jake Arrieta 'flattered' by PED accusations image

Cubs ace Jake Arrieta recently threw his second career no-hitter. The result has caused some to question the legality of Arrieta's muscular physique and have claimed the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner may have used performance-enhancing drugs.

Arrieta isn't concerned about the accusations.

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"It's somewhat flattering, especially when some of those comments are coming from some of the best players in the game," Arrieta said Tuesday, via USA Today.

Arrieta, who is 4-0 with an 0.87 ERA this season, didn't name any of the accusers, but said his teammates have heard rumblings from other players that Arrieta is cheating.

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"I think it's funny," Arrieta said. "I've always been in good shape. I just sucked early in my career from a statistical perspective. My body has always been very similar to how it is now. The results are different, so people want to question things. That's the nature of sports."

Supported by a rigorous workout routine, Arrieta also said he only "plants and lean meat." He wants even harsher penalties for steroid users.

"That's something I've had a firm stance on for a long time," Arrieta said. "I remember being in Baltimore and talking to the older guys about how we can rid the game of people trying to cheat. A lot of steps have been taken in the right direction."

Alec Brzezinski