New York Mets legend Dwight Gooden once criticized Darryl Strawberry for aggravating their vitriolic feud dating back to their time as teammates

In August 2016, New York Mets legend Dwight Gooden criticized Darryl Strawberry for aggravating their vitriolic feud dating back to their time as teammates.

Apparently, after Gooden missed a radio appearance, Strawberry was concerned about his well-being and went on to make bold statements about the former pitcher to the New York Daily News.

"He's a complete junkie-addict. I've been trying behind the scenes to talk to him and get him to go for help, but he won't listen. He thinks he can manipulate and BS his way through everything. His son called me to beg me to help his dad before he dies," said Strawberry to the New Jersey-based newspaper.

However, Strawberry's statements didn't sit well with Gooden, and he fired back, saying:

"I don't do cocaine and have not in years. I had always been supportive of Darryl, during his best and worst days. I recall the times he was in prison, and I was there for him. I recall the times he struggled with his own addiction, and I was there for him then, too."

Gooden added:

"Darryl has always made our differences personal, going back to our days with the Mets. I had hoped we could keep these differences between us, but Darryl could not manage to do that. I am sorry for his inability to show more character and strength. While I was there for him, he obviously was never there for me.''

"Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry and Mike Tyson, 1986." - Baseball In Pics

Dwight Gooden also clarified that he had missed the radio appearance due to a minor health issue.

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Dwight Gooden's MLB career was cut short by cocaine and alcohol addiction

Dwight Doc Gooden (Photo by: Al Bello/Getty Images)

Dwight Gooden made his MLB debut in 1984 with the New York Mets and rapidly built a name for himself as one of the best pitchers in the league. However, his career was destroyed by cocaine and alcohol abuse.

Gooden tested positive for cocaine use in the 1994 season and received a 60-day suspension. After testing positive for drugs while serving a previous ban, he was once more suspended for the 1995 season.

"Celebrating the 15 Black pitchers to register a 20-win season on the mound." - Dwight Gooden

Gooden retired in 2001 while playing for the New York Yankees. Yet Gooden's drug issues persisted even after he stopped playing baseball, leading to a number of arrests.