When Cardinals' star pitcher Adam Wainwright was caught in a scandal for seeking banned substances

In a 2021 Sports Illustrated article, it was revealed that former Los Angeles Angels employee Brian Harkins distributed grip enhancers to St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright. These were substances that helped pitches spin faster and move more.

Brian Harkins, also known as "Bubba", was fired from the Angels back in 2020 because for providing the substances to players. In 2021, the former Angels employee revealed the texts of him communicating with renowned players about PEDs.

He revealed that he was in contact with Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, Corey Kluber, and Adam Wainwright. Harkins revealed that he had been distributing the substance to up to 15 pitchers since 2010.

Some of the conversations between the players and Harkins are shown below:

"I was wondering if you could help me out with this sticky situation," read a message from Gerrit Cole.

"The stuff I had last year seizes up when it gets cold, can you come up with or do you have a mix that will play better in cold weather?" read another message from Gerrit Cole.

"Hey Bubba, couple guys asking about some secret stuff. Anyway you can send a couple batches with the Angels when they come?" read a message from Adam Wainwright.

This revelation came as a shock to many, however, as Harkins filed a defamation lawsuit against the MLB when his firing was publicized. He maintains that it was a widespread practice in baseball, yet remains one of the only people who have been punished for it.

When Adam Wainwright said it was impossible to avoid getting caught taking PEDs

World Baseball Classic Semifinals: Cuba v United States

In a 2016 interview with ESPN, Adam Wainwright opened up about the consumption of PEDs in the MLB.

When asked how big a problem PEDs are, he said:

"Every time I think they're not a problem, someone tests positive. I don't think they're nearly as prevalent as they were, obviously. I think steroids were running rampant through baseball and, probably, through all major sports. But nowadays if you don't get caught with a blood or urine test, you're going to get caught with a paper trail."

Hopefully, due to modern testing and public opinion, PED usage will halt and become a thing of the past.