MLB finds no violations and clears Howard, Zimmerman from Al Jazeera PED claims

A report last winter connected Ryan Howard and Ryan Zimmerman to HGH

Major League Baseball has concluded its investigation into allegations that Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard and Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman were connected to an Indianapolis anti-aging clinic that is alleged to have provided HGH to professional athletes.

MLB's statement from Friday:

The Office of the Commissioner has completed its investigation into the statements made by Charlie Sly concerning players Ryan Howard of the Philadelphia Phillies and Ryan Zimmerman of the Washington Nationals in the Al Jazeera documentary "The Dark Side." This thorough investigation did not find any violations of the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program by either Howard or Zimmerman.

Both Howard and Zimmerman fully cooperated with the Office of the Commissioner's investigation. Mr. Sly did not agree to speak with the Commissioner's Office or provide requested information.

One might recall the December report from Al Jazeera with Charlie Sly as the star witness in a documentary that included high-profile names like Peyton Manning and Derek Jeter. Both Howard and Zimmerman were mentioned as well.

A few weeks later, Howard and Zimmerman -- who are represented by the same agency and attorney -- filed a lawsuit against Al Jazeera for defamation.

Now, with full cooperation and MLB concluding its investigation, both Ryans should be vindicated in the eyes of the public.

Here is Howard's statement:

"The accusations from Al Jazeera came out of nowhere, and I was shocked and outraged by their false claims. I welcomed the investigation by Major League Baseball as an opportunity to clear my name. I was fully cooperative and transparent in the process, and MLB's findings validate what I have said publicly. I am glad that this part of the process has concluded, and I look forward to holding the responsible people accountable for these false and defamatory claims in my ongoing litigation against Al Jazeera and its reporters."

And Zimmerman's:

"I understand why Major League Baseball found it necessary to explore this matter, and I appreciate that MLB, after a thorough investigation, was able to publicly affirm my innocence. Throughout my life and career, I have been true to myself, my family, the Nationals organization and my community. It is not right that a so-called news organization and its personnel can publicly make false accusations that damage my reputation and call into question my integrity without any consequences whatsoever. As I said in January when I filed my lawsuit, I am determined to hold Al Jazeera and its reporters accountable for their defamatory actions."

Remember, MLB isn't shy to suspend players without a drug test. The Biogenesis case was based purely on a paper trail and players like Alex Rodriguez, Ryan Braun, Jhonny Peralta, Nelson Cruz, Antonio Bastardo, Francisco Cervelli were suspended. A-Rod and Braun were slapped with bigger suspensions than are called for in the Joint Drug Agreement, too.

Quite simply: It appears that Howard and Zimmerman haven't done anything wrong. Their lawsuit against Al Jazeera, as mentioned in the above statements, is ongoing.