When an ex-Seattle Mariners player blamed manager Lou Piniella for abetting the use of PEDs in his club

Former Seattle Mariners outfielder Shane Monahan blamed former manager of the Seattle Mariners, Lou Piniella, for the rampant PED usage in the locker room.

Monahan, who was part of the team from 1998 to 1999, said the enhancement drugs were part of the team, especially in that era. The era is now famously known as the "Steroid Era". Many big names were highlighted in the Mitchell Report, which showed the names of all the players who were involved in drug use.

Players such as Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez were dragged through the press when their names were found in the report. The ex-Mariner player was asked in an interview about the issue. Monahan was quick to reveal Lou Piniella's name as someone who turned a blind eye to the issue. He said the following about it:

“I think he knew everything that was going on in his locker room. I just think he turned a shoulder to it and really didn’t care.”

Monahan gave the interview two weeks after the Mitchell Report came out. The interview was sure to give more impact because of the Mitchell Report.

Lou Piniella, the former manager of the Seattle Marinersm was once skeptical of Ichiro Suzuki

Cleveland Guardians v Seattle Mariners

Ichiro Suzuki, one of the greatest Japanese-American players in MLB, was inducted into the Mariners Hall of Fame in 2022.

Suzuki came to America from Japan in 2001 and was drafted by the Seattle Mariners. At first, the manager of the team, Lou Piniella, was skeptical of the right fielder. He had said the following regarding his thoughts on Suzuki:

"It's a tough adjustment because big league players throw harder. That was the only concern.".

At the same time, Suzuki was just as skeptical of Lou Piniella because of a hilarious encounter that the right fielder recalled:

“Lou Piniella kissed me right here on the cheek. The manager gave me a biiiiig wet kiss. That doesn’t happen in Japan. I was shocked. Honestly, I was scared. I thought to myself, ‘If this is a custom in America, I might not make it here.’”

Ichiro Suzuki also ended up becoming emotional and speaking his heart about belonging to the Seattle Mariners and baseball. He said:

“Even though I retired as an active player, baseball and Seattle have never left my heart. Baseball will forever be my soul. And my mission is to keep helping both players and fans appreciate this special game.”

Suzuki's words were enough to make not only himself but also all the fans become teary-eyed because of his heartfelt speech.