Statement Analysis: Albert Pujols' Statement on Performance Enhancing Drugs

What does a reliable denial look like?

"I did not take Performance enhancing drugs." 

That would do it. 

Below we have a very strong statement from major league baseball player, Albert Pujols regarding taking Performance enhancing drugs. 

Does he tell us that he did not take them?  

I have added underlining for the purpose of analysis, and for helping readers make up their own mind on this statement. 

A reliable denial has three simple components.  If there are only two, it is "unreliable", just as if there are more than three. 

I.  The pronoun "I"

II  The past tense verb  "didn't" or "did not"

III  Specific to the allegation  "I did not take PEDS"

The word "never" is not to be substituted for "did not" (see Marion Jones and Lance Armstrong)

and the word "would" is future/conditional tense, and not past tense. 

Did Albert Pujols tell us that he did not take PEDs?

Also, what is the difference between an "unreliable" denial and deception?  *****

“I've said time and time again that I would never take, or even consider taking, anything illegal. I've been tested hundreds of times throughout my career and never once have I tested positive. It is irresponsible and reckless for Jack Clark to have falsely accused me of using PEDs. My faith in Jesus Christ, and my respect for this game are too important to me. I would never be able to look my wife or kids in the eye if I had done what this man is accusing me of.

“I know people are tired of athletes saying they are innocent, asking for the public to believe in them, only to have their sins exposed later down the road. But I am not one of those athletes, and I will not stand to have my name and my family's name, dragged through the mud.

“I am currently in the process of taking legal action against Jack Clark and his employers at WGNU 920AM. I am going to send a message that you cannot act in a reckless manner, like they have, and get away with it. If I have to be the athlete to carry the torch and pave the way for other innocent players to see that you can do something about it, I am proud to be that person. I have five young children and I take being a role model very seriously. The last thing I want is for the fans, and especially the kids out there, to question my reputation and character.”

-Albert Pujols 

1.  Did he take something that was legal in the country he was at?  In some countries, it is legal to use certain substances that are not legal in the United States.  
2.  Note the need to include Divinity 
3.  Instead of telling us that he did not do it, he wants us to believe him because of his religion, his character, and his family.  He has the need to explain why he didn't use.  This is sensitive. 
4.  Note the number of kids he has.  Next, note the order for the "last thing" he wants has the fans before kids.  

It's just a whole lot easier to say "I didn't take PEDs" than it is to have this lengthy statement that goes out of its way to avoid a simple, and reliable denial.