Former Houston Astros pitcher Dallas Keuchel spoke with reporters on Friday afternoon and addressed the sign-stealing scandal that cast a shadow over the entire offseason.

Keuchel, who spent the first six seasons of his career with the Astros from 2012-2018, became the first former or current active player to apologize for the scheme that -- for the most part -- occurred during their 2017 World Series title run. He pitched Game 1 and 5 of the 2017 ALCS against the Yankees.

"It's just what the state of baseball was at that point in time. Was it against the rules? Yes it was. And I personally am sorry for what's come about the whole situation," Keuchel said.

The left-handed pitcher stated that it was "not like every game we had it going on," seemingly making excuses for arguably the biggest cheating scandal in MLB history.

Talking on Mike Fiers, a former Astros pitcher that became the whistle blower that started this entire investigation: "It sucks to the extent of that the clubhouse rule was broken," he said. "I mean and that's where I'll go with that. I don't have much else to say about Mike."

"I can only speak for myself but just knowing some of those guys over there and knowing how they are as people, we're all people to an extent, I mean, some guys are robots, I'll tell you that," Keuchel said. "But for most of us, the human element is real. And a lot of guys are not happy with the fact that Mike came out and said something or the fact that this even happened.

"But at the same time, there is some sorrow in guys' voices. I have talked to guys before and this will be going on for a long time and I'm sure in the back of guys' minds this'll stay fresh."

Keuchel, who spent 2019 with the Atlanta Braves and just signed a three-year deal with the Chicago White Sox, said that when it comes to advanced technology in the game, either everyone should be using it, or nobody at all.

He also added that more players will be coming out with statements addressing the scandal. Alex Bregman and Jose Altuve somewhat addressed the matter last week during the Astros' fan fest, but in no way, shape or form apologized.

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