Curt Schilling encouraged to use PEDs by Red Sox, according to Curt Schilling

Curt Schilling told ESPN Radio that members of the Boston Red Sox organization encouraged him to use performance-enhancing drugs toward the end of his tenure with the club, reports Jerry Spar of WEEI.com.

"At the end of my career, in 2008 when I had gotten hurt, there was a conversation that I was involved in in which it was brought to my attention that this is a potential path I might want to pursue," Schilling told Colin Cowherd.

Schilling said that the conversation occurred in the Red Sox clubhouse and involved "former members of the organization" that are no longer part of the team. He described the talk as "incredibly uncomfortable," as he was allegedly offered PEDs as an option to help continue his career. Given Schilling's age and health, it was presented as somewhat of a no-lose situation.

Schilling also commented on Alex Rodriguez and Ryan Braun, two players that have recently been connectedto Biogenesis. Schilling wouldn't be surprised if Rodriguez doesn't play again, noting that he thinks the slugger is "done." He also said there were "always questions" surrounding Rodriguez.

More at Over the Monster: Curt Schilling claims he was encouraged to use PEDs

Schilling wants to believe that Braun didn't take PEDS and that his explanation is legitimate. However, he's skeptical given his prior failed test and recent ties to Tony Bosch.

The Red Sox haven't released a formal statement regarding Schilling's comments yet, but President and CEO Larry Lucchino has spoken with reporters, including Evan Drellich of MLB.com.

Lucchino classifies Schilling's interview as "something to look into," adding that it "came from out of left field." He was surprised by the statements, but he'll reserve judgment until he hears more.

Drellich notes that the Red Sox are likely to look into the Schilling PED matter, but it remains to be determined how formal or deep the investigation will be.