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Wainwright: Taking PEDs is 'completely asinine'

Jeff Curry / Getty Images Sport / Getty

St. Louis Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright isn't shy about voicing his opinion on the use of performing-enhancing drugs.

In an interview with ESPN's Mark Saxson, Wainwright was asked if he thought PED use was still a cause for concern in the game today.

"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," Wainwright told ESPN.

"Nowadays if you don't get caught with a blood or urine test, you're going to get caught with a paper trail. Eventually it's going to get you."

Even though the 34-year-old has been vocal on the issue in the past, he says he believes the league has done a good job handling it.

"It's completely asinine to take anything illegal. I wouldn't know how big a problem it is because it's such a hush-hush quiet deal if anybody's taking it, and everybody denies it. But I don't think it's nearly the problem that it used to be," he said.

In 2014 when the Cardinals were fresh off signing PED user Jhonny Peralta, Wainwright was one of the first players to defend him, telling CBS Sports Radio at the time players who serve suspension deserve a second chance.

"He faced his suspension. He took it like a man. He didn’t try to argue. He didn't lie on the camera about it," Wainwright said at the time.

"(Peralta) faced the suspension and said he learned his lesson and he'll never do it again. We have to have some sort of grace in this game as well."

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