Shane Spencer: Radio interview about alleged PED use was a hoax

Former Yankees outfielder Shane Spencer said Tuesday that he was the victim of a hoax after a man claiming he was Spencer called a radio station and said he used steroids.

The man claiming to be Spencer told 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio on air Monday that he took steroids at the Double-A level, among other things relating to his Yankees career.

Spencer, now a hitting coach for the Somerset Patriots of the Independent League, issued the following statement saying that it was not him who called into the station:

"In response to an interview that ESPN Radio 104.5 FM host Mike Lindsley claims to have done with me on Tuesday afternoon, I would like to set the record straight that I did not participate in any such interview.

Someone called into the station claiming to be me and spoke on my behalf regarding some very sensitive topics surrounding baseball. This caller spoke as me about topics ranging from steroids, to my time with the New York Yankees, Roger Clemens, and my feelings about the great Mariano Rivera.

I am outraged that someone would do this and at the same time disappointed that the station believed it to be me despite not coming from the contact information they had for me.

I am hearing about this interview from friends, family, former teammates, and fans. It is very disappointing that someone was able to go on the air as me and speak for me about these topics.

I would like to set the record straight that the interview was not done with me and all the opinions were not mine.''

Spencer played with the Yankees from 1998-2002, during which time he won three World Series championships. He also played with the Mets in 2004 and split a season between Cleveland and Texas.

Spencer had a career .262 batting average with 59 home runs and 242 RBIs.