Former Peabody star is hospitalized over weekend

Jeff Allison, a former pitcher at Peabody High School and first-round draft pick, spent the weekend and into Tuesday night at Union Hospital in Lynn and was discharged yesterday, a secretary at the hospital said. She could not elaborate because of privacy issues.

Allison, who signed a contract with the Florida Marlins that included a $1.85 million bonus, admitted to having a drug problem last month in an interview with New England Cable News. He left the Marlins during spring training after failing a drug test and returned to Peabody. The Marlins placed him on the restricted list, taking away his salary.

In the interview with NECN, Allison, 19, said he hadn't taken drugs in months and no longer had the problem.

Attempts to reach Allison were unsuccessful.

"I don't want to confirm anything," said Bob Allison, Jeff's father. "My son's old enough to speak for himself. I don't know where he is. The family has no comment."

Peabody High athletic director Phil Sheridan, who was out of town, said he heard reports of Allison's hospitalization but couldn't comment further.

"I really don't have any reaction," said Ed Nizwantowski, Peabody High's baseball coach. "I haven't spoken with Jeff. Until I speak with him, I'm going to reserve judgment.

"I've been involved with teenagers 35 years. Nothing really shocks me anymore."