Gagne apologizes for HGH 'distraction'

PHOENIX, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Eric Gagne apologized for the "distraction" of being named in the Mitchell report on performance-enhancing substance use in baseball.

Gagne signed a one-year contract with the Brewers a few days before former Sen. George Mitchell, D-Maine, released a report naming about 90 players -- including Gagne -- as having used performance-enhancing substances.

A statement by Gagne was posted Monday on the Brewers' Web site in which the relief specialist talked about how he was "looking forward to pitching for the Milwaukee Brewers."

The Mitchell report linked Gagne, who won the 2003 Cy Young Award, to the use of human growth hormone.

Gagne's statement Monday made little reference to the allegations.

"I'm here to let you guys know that I feel bad for my family, what they had to go through, and all my friends and especially my teammates here in Milwaukee," Gagne said. "I think that's just a distraction that shouldn't be taking place. I'm just here to help the Milwaukee Brewers get to the World Series and get to the playoffs, and that's all I really care about."