Did Albert Pujols Use Steroids?
The MLB Drug Testing Record
Albert Pujols’s career (2001–2022) spanned the transition from MLB’s “Steroid Era” into the era of comprehensive drug testing. In 2003, MLB instituted survey testing, followed by mandatory randomized testing with penalties in 2004, which became increasingly strict over the subsequent two decades.
Throughout his 22-season career, Pujols was subject to hundreds of random, unannounced drug tests for performance-enhancing substances. He never returned a single positive test.
The 2013 Jack Clark Allegations
The only significant public accusation directed at Pujols occurred in August 2013. Former MLB player and then-radio host Jack Clark stated on his St. Louis sports radio show that he “knew for a fact” Pujols was a “juicer.”
Clark alleged that Chris Mihlfeld, a personal trainer who had worked with both Clark and Pujols, had admitted to supplying Pujols with steroids and “shooting him up.”
The Response and Defamation Lawsuit
The reaction to Clark’s allegations was immediate and definitive:
- Pujols’s Denial: Pujols vehemently denied the claim, releasing a statement calling the allegations “malicious, reckless and outrageous falsehoods.”
- The Trainer’s Denial: Chris Mihlfeld publicly denied Clark’s claims, stating he never told Clark such things and that Pujols would never use illegal drugs.
- Legal Action: In October 2013, Pujols filed a defamation lawsuit against Jack Clark, seeking damages and to clear his name. He stated his primary goal was not financial gain, but to protect his reputation and ensure the truth was established.
The Retraction and Apology
In February 2014, the legal dispute concluded when Jack Clark issued a complete public retraction and apology. In his statement, Clark admitted:
“I would like to address Albert Pujols’ demand for a retraction and apology for statements that I made while hosting a radio talk show on WGNU 920 AM… I have no knowledge whatsoever that Mr. Pujols has ever used illicit or banned PEDs. I publicly retract my statements that Albert Pujols used such substances. During a heated discussion on air, I misspoke and for that I sincerely apologize.”
Following this unequivocal retraction, Pujols dropped the lawsuit, stating he had achieved his goal of clearing his name.
Consistency of Performance
Sports analysts frequently point to Pujols’s career trajectory as evidence of natural performance. Unlike players who experienced sudden, late-career power surges associated with PED use during the Steroid Era, Pujols demonstrated a relatively natural aging curve. His peak production occurred during his 20s with the St. Louis Cardinals, followed by a gradual, typical decline in his 30s with the Angels, concluding with a final resurgence in his early 40s.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In a 22-year Major League career under MLB’s comprehensive Joint Drug Agreement, Albert Pujols never failed a drug test for performance-enhancing substances.
No. He was not named in the 2007 Mitchell Report, which identified numerous MLB players connected to the use of anabolic steroids and human growth hormone.
Jack Clark issued a full public apology and retraction in February 2014, admitting he had no knowledge of Pujols ever using PEDs. Following the retraction, Pujols dropped the defamation lawsuit.
He is considered a first-ballot lock for the National Baseball Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible in 2028. Because he has no credible PED ties, he will not face the voting resistance that has kept out statistically qualified players like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens.
No. The trainer, Chris Mihlfeld, firmly denied the allegations made by Jack Clark, stating unequivocally that he had never supplied Pujols with steroids and had never told Clark that he did.
