Dwight Gooden insists he's OK, calls Darryl Strawberry's concern 'unreal'
Don’t worry about Dwight “Doc” Gooden. The 51-year-old former major league pitcher says he’s not in trouble health wise or otherwise after former New York Mets teammate Darryl Strawberry expressed concern when Gooden no-showed a scheduled interview on Thursday.
“I am fine, just finishing up some minor health issues,” Gooden told the New York Daily News in a text on Saturday.
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Knowing that Gooden had battled drug addictions much like himself, Strawberry said he feared for Gooden’s life after he pulled out of Thursday’s event at the last minute. Of course, there was no indication from Gooden’s representatives that he was in trouble, but the reason for his absence was also kept hushed.
We’re no clearer now on Gooden’s condition than we were then based on his comments, but it was made very clear that he was annoyed by Strawberry perhaps jumping to conclusions.
Here’s more from the Daily News story:
Gooden, 51, declined to elaborate on his condition, but did respond when told his former teammate sparked fear in many fans’ hearts when he voiced his concerns about the hard-partying ex-pitcher who has battled drug and alcohol addiction.
“Yes, I see,” Gooden texted. “Unreal.”
It’s a tough situation to weigh in on from the outside looking in. Obviously, we hope all is well with Gooden, but also respect and understand why he wouldn’t be jumping to reveal person details about his life or his health. At the same time, we also understand that Strawberry was concerned and just looking out for his friend.
It’s awkward, but here’s hoping the line of communication between them remains open and honest, allowing both to move forward without any concerns or hard feelings.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!
