When former Seattle Mariners star Bret Boone faced backlash after openly advocating for steroid inclusion in baseball

Once, Bret Boone's public support and approval of steroid use shocked the MLB world.

In an interview with Tom Verducci for Sports Illustrated in 2002, former MLB third baseman Ken Caminiti made a revelation stating that several players were using performance-enhancing drugs during his era. Consequently, it caused his contemporaries to face severe consequences and scrutiny.

Among those facing scrutiny was Bret Boone, a former star player for the Seattle Mariners. The reason for this scrutiny was probably his noticeable physical transformations and remarkable achievements in the 2001 MLB season.

In the midst of circulating rumors, Boone offered a response by saying:

“I don’t know what the motivation of a player would be to make as blanket a statement as that. Whatever the number is, it’s sure not anywhere near 50 percent…if he wants to say that he used them, that’s OK but he should just talk about himself."

Boone categorically denied using steroids, but he refrained from explicitly criticizing the use of performance-enhancing drugs. explaining:

“Who is to say someone’s wrong for doing it? I don’t know if they’re (steroids) good or bad."

Furthermore, Boone came close to subtly supporting the use of PEDs in MLB.

"If steroids are done in moderation, done correctly and safely, it might be an option."

Boone's remarkable performance in the 2001 season earned him several accolades. He was selected to the MLB All-Star Game and finished third in the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) voting and was honored with a Silver Slugger Award.

Bret Boone was named in Jose Canseco's tell-all book for alleged steroid use

Washington Nationals Photo Day: VIERA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Bret Boone #29 of the Washington Nationals poses during Photo Day on February 23, 2008, at Space Coast Stadium in Viera, Florida. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

In Jose Canseco's book, " Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant 'Roids, Smash Hits & How Baseball Got Big" which was published in 2005, the former Oakland Athletics star made allegations about Bret Boone using steroids.

However, Boone has refuted these claims, stating that he never used any PEDs or had any conversation with Canseco.