Palmiero tests positive for steroids (merge)
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Rafael Palmeiro tests positive for steroids, gets 10-day suspension
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2121659
Updated: Aug. 1, 2005, 2:10 PM ET
Palmeiro docked 10 days for steroids
Associated Press
Related Video:
Lopez gives up eight runs in first two innings
Rafael Palmeiro was suspended 10 days for violating Major League Baseball's steroids policy Monday, nearly five months after the Baltimore Orioles first baseman told Congress that "I have never used steroids. Period."
In remarks prepared for a conference call Monday, Palmeiro -- the highest-profile player to fail a test -- said he never intentionally took steroids and could not explain how the drugs got into his body. He also apologized and said would accept his punishment.
"I have never intentionally used steroids. Never. Ever. Period," he said. "Ultimately, although I never intentionally put a banned substance into my body, the independent arbitrator ruled that I had to be suspended under the terms of the program."
The 40-year-old is the seventh player to test positive for steroids under the policy adopted earlier this year. Palmeiro doubled on July 15 to join Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Eddie Murray as the only players with 3,000 hits and 500 homers.
Palmeiro addressed his standing in the game and the appearance his suspension gives to fans.
"I hope the fans understand I have worked very hard over a long 20-year career. …" Palmeiro said to reporters in a conference call. "I made a mistake and I'm facing it.
"I hope people learn from my mistake, and that they forgive me."
Palmeiro said the arbitrator "did not find that I used a banned substance intentionally -- in fact, he said he found my testimony to be compelling," but still ruled that he needed to serve the suspension. A grievance filed by the players' union against the suspension was denied.
Appearing with Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa and other baseball stars before a congressional committee on March 17, Palmeiro made an opening statement in which he said: "Let me start by telling you this: I have never used steroids. Period. I don't know how to say it any more clearly than that. Never."
Palmeiro was so emphatic in his denial of steroid use that he pointed his index finger at the panel, and expressed indignation over accusations made by former slugger Jose Canseco, who cited Palmeiro as a steroid user in his tell-all book. In an interview on the CBS television show "60 Minutes," Canseco -- who also testified before Congress -- said he had injected Palmeiro with steroids when they were teammates for the Texas Rangers.
Government Reform Committee chairman Tom Davis, R-Va., who led the steroids inquiry, was traveling out of the country on Monday and couldn't be reached for comment, spokesman Rob White said.
"If true, this is disheartening news for those of us who believed Mr. Palmeiro was a key ally in our effort to rid sports of performance enhancing drugs," White said.
On July 7, Palmeiro took part via conference call in a round-table discussion about how to rid sports of steroids with Davis and representatives from the NFL, NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball.
Palmeiro was contrite in his comments, and said he hoped there was something to be gained from his suspension by educating players to be more careful about what they put in their bodies.
"I want to apologize to MLB, the Baltimore Orioles organization, my teammates, and most of all, my fans," Palmeiro said. "Given my role with the No Tolerance Committee and my relationships with Congress, I feel the need to communicate a serious message to my fellow players and to kids everywhere."
Palmeiro played against the White Sox on Sunday night, but began serving his suspension immediately and was not in the lineup for the start of Monday's home game against Chicago. He stands to lose $163,934.42 in salary during the suspension.
Orioles owner Peter Angelos expressed support for Palmeiro in remarks prepared for Monday's conference call. "I am truly saddened by today's events," Angelos said. "I have known Rafael Palmeiro for many years. … I know from personal experience that his accomplishments are due to hard work and his dedication to the game."
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2121659
Updated: Aug. 1, 2005, 2:10 PM ET
Palmeiro docked 10 days for steroids
Associated Press
Related Video:
Lopez gives up eight runs in first two innings
Rafael Palmeiro was suspended 10 days for violating Major League Baseball's steroids policy Monday, nearly five months after the Baltimore Orioles first baseman told Congress that "I have never used steroids. Period."
In remarks prepared for a conference call Monday, Palmeiro -- the highest-profile player to fail a test -- said he never intentionally took steroids and could not explain how the drugs got into his body. He also apologized and said would accept his punishment.
"I have never intentionally used steroids. Never. Ever. Period," he said. "Ultimately, although I never intentionally put a banned substance into my body, the independent arbitrator ruled that I had to be suspended under the terms of the program."
The 40-year-old is the seventh player to test positive for steroids under the policy adopted earlier this year. Palmeiro doubled on July 15 to join Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Eddie Murray as the only players with 3,000 hits and 500 homers.
Palmeiro addressed his standing in the game and the appearance his suspension gives to fans.
"I hope the fans understand I have worked very hard over a long 20-year career. …" Palmeiro said to reporters in a conference call. "I made a mistake and I'm facing it.
"I hope people learn from my mistake, and that they forgive me."
Palmeiro said the arbitrator "did not find that I used a banned substance intentionally -- in fact, he said he found my testimony to be compelling," but still ruled that he needed to serve the suspension. A grievance filed by the players' union against the suspension was denied.
Appearing with Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa and other baseball stars before a congressional committee on March 17, Palmeiro made an opening statement in which he said: "Let me start by telling you this: I have never used steroids. Period. I don't know how to say it any more clearly than that. Never."
Palmeiro was so emphatic in his denial of steroid use that he pointed his index finger at the panel, and expressed indignation over accusations made by former slugger Jose Canseco, who cited Palmeiro as a steroid user in his tell-all book. In an interview on the CBS television show "60 Minutes," Canseco -- who also testified before Congress -- said he had injected Palmeiro with steroids when they were teammates for the Texas Rangers.
Government Reform Committee chairman Tom Davis, R-Va., who led the steroids inquiry, was traveling out of the country on Monday and couldn't be reached for comment, spokesman Rob White said.
"If true, this is disheartening news for those of us who believed Mr. Palmeiro was a key ally in our effort to rid sports of performance enhancing drugs," White said.
On July 7, Palmeiro took part via conference call in a round-table discussion about how to rid sports of steroids with Davis and representatives from the NFL, NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball.
Palmeiro was contrite in his comments, and said he hoped there was something to be gained from his suspension by educating players to be more careful about what they put in their bodies.
"I want to apologize to MLB, the Baltimore Orioles organization, my teammates, and most of all, my fans," Palmeiro said. "Given my role with the No Tolerance Committee and my relationships with Congress, I feel the need to communicate a serious message to my fellow players and to kids everywhere."
Palmeiro played against the White Sox on Sunday night, but began serving his suspension immediately and was not in the lineup for the start of Monday's home game against Chicago. He stands to lose $163,934.42 in salary during the suspension.
Orioles owner Peter Angelos expressed support for Palmeiro in remarks prepared for Monday's conference call. "I am truly saddened by today's events," Angelos said. "I have known Rafael Palmeiro for many years. … I know from personal experience that his accomplishments are due to hard work and his dedication to the game."
Remember... being on steroids doesnt make you a better player. Steroids are used to increase strength, not hit homeruns, get hits, steal bases, or catch the ball. They also dont help you have one of the fastest swings and best eye-ball-bat cordination in baseball. Im not defending him just because he said he "didnt know" but I think he still deserves to be in the HOF regardless of his use of steroids or not.
This is very disappointing. I heard it on NPR this morning and was really shocked. He is (was) one of those guys who you actually believe when he says that he never did steroids. I guess everyone is dirty. As for the HOF, he'll get in anyway, or he should. As things stand, everyone of the last 2 decades is probably on roids and it is going to be next to impossible to determine who was clean and who wasn't for the HOF. It's gonna have to be by the numbers and ignoring the roids.
I have to agree with Captain Bill, if your going to put an asterisk by guys like Palmiero and Bonds (who is still yet to test positive at least), who can't you put an asterisk by over the last 20 years? We have no way of knowing, beyond guys stepping forward and admitting it or allegations from others, who has been using and what records may have been compromised by this.
Palmiero is stupid to get caught while there is so much scrutiny over the issue, but I think he still deserves to be in the HoF.
Palmiero is stupid to get caught while there is so much scrutiny over the issue, but I think he still deserves to be in the HoF.
you cant put asterisks, but all this "i didn't know" bs is complete bull. these players take care of their bodies and know what they're ingesting or "rubbing on". he knew what he was doing, and it breaks my heart because i thought he was one of the most model people in baseball, amongst the cheaters and fakers. (ie. sammy and mark)
Sure! One time, I accidentally ran a stop sign, and then one time I accidentally forgot to endorse a check, and then one time I accidentally took steroids...
I'm so sick of athletes/politicians/celebrities referring to willfull acts on their part as "mistakes", as if it was all some horrible accident.
I'm so sick of athletes/politicians/celebrities referring to willfull acts on their part as "mistakes", as if it was all some horrible accident.
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I am in no way defending Palmeiro (or any other player), but I would like to suggest how this could happen....not saying that it did.
A guy has soreness in a joint or a muscle. He mentions it. Another player says, "Hey you should try this new cream. It will work wonders for you." First guy says, "Is it legal?" Second players says, "oh sure."
The point I am trying to make is that there are many products out there (including over the counter ointments) that have substances that are actually steroidal. Sports figures are not doctors. Many of them don't keep up with the names of all the new drugs that are actually a steroid. Maybe they should.
A guy has soreness in a joint or a muscle. He mentions it. Another player says, "Hey you should try this new cream. It will work wonders for you." First guy says, "Is it legal?" Second players says, "oh sure."
The point I am trying to make is that there are many products out there (including over the counter ointments) that have substances that are actually steroidal. Sports figures are not doctors. Many of them don't keep up with the names of all the new drugs that are actually a steroid. Maybe they should.
Sorry, 7th - but that sounds a little too much like the plot of some sports sit-com.
Nowadays, a player would be absolutely insane to try any kind of cream, etc. unless he received it from the team doctor or trainer. Someone like Palmiero especially, because of his involvement with Congress, would be an idiot to use anything he was not 100% certain was legal.
If it was something like that, he deserves the suspension for blatant stupidity.
Nowadays, a player would be absolutely insane to try any kind of cream, etc. unless he received it from the team doctor or trainer. Someone like Palmiero especially, because of his involvement with Congress, would be an idiot to use anything he was not 100% certain was legal.
If it was something like that, he deserves the suspension for blatant stupidity.
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Actually, I was trying to keep it simple deliberately. I, for one, have no idea of all the topical ointments that include a steroid. If I buy something at the pharmacy, I assume that it is legal.
All I am saying is that these players had better start checking every ingredient on everything they buy at Walgreens, because there could be something that could get them into trouble....let alone borrowing something from another player.
Oh, and they have not yet started suspending for stupidity, although I can think of a few I would be willing to apply that to.
All I am saying is that these players had better start checking every ingredient on everything they buy at Walgreens, because there could be something that could get them into trouble....let alone borrowing something from another player.
Oh, and they have not yet started suspending for stupidity, although I can think of a few I would be willing to apply that to.
Anyone hear what Canseco said yesterday to ESPN about this? He said something about someone framing Raffi and testing blood or urine (not sure which) of a person on steroids and using it as Palmiero's. Thats a posibility and Canseco actually agreed with Raffi. Why would someone who testified in front of congress and someone who everyone is watching closely use steroids AFTER the hearing... it just doesnt make sense. Especially when the guy wasnt and still isnt a sure thing for the HOF.
Maybe he is guilty of stupidity like VF says and if so he deserves the suspension and not a spot in the HOF after saying he never used steroids and never would. Its a shock to hear he used them intentionally or not and the only way I can see him getting clear of this is if they find evidence that it was a scam. Otherwise I dont think he will be going to the HOF or be respected again.
Maybe he is guilty of stupidity like VF says and if so he deserves the suspension and not a spot in the HOF after saying he never used steroids and never would. Its a shock to hear he used them intentionally or not and the only way I can see him getting clear of this is if they find evidence that it was a scam. Otherwise I dont think he will be going to the HOF or be respected again.
sure, you can say that... but one thing it does do is that is turns some popups to left field(or near the wall) into homeruns. I can be the best hitter in the world with the best hand-eye coordination but bottom line is that if i don't have the strength to hit it out of the park, i wont get homers. Not really sure Bonds, Sosa, Canseco, Giambi and McGwire would of taken them for the sole purpose of increasing their stolen bases... It's not a coincidence that all of the people I mentionned that took 'roids are all labeled as homerun hitters.
the news is that the steriod that raffy took is one that can only be taken through digestion and with a needle. no other way. it is illegal, and is the most used steroid by ballplayers. this is coming from espn. i forgot the name of the substance but if i find the story somewhere i'll post it. with all honesty, if the only ways you can take it is injection or digestion, raffy had to have done it on purpose. for a guy who has been around baseball for 20 years, in the midst of all the steriod scandals, he HAD to have known what pills he was taking (if it was in pill form) i mean come on, if he's clean and this is his "last year", he would have been 1000% more careful then any player in the game. he has nothing to gain and everything to lose by takin steroids, yet evidence proves that he had to have known what he was taking by the way the steroids can enter the body.
either that or raffy just said, "**** it gimme those pills i don't care what's in them." i think he's more intelligent than that though... at least i hope.
either that or raffy just said, "**** it gimme those pills i don't care what's in them." i think he's more intelligent than that though... at least i hope.
Yesterday someone who works in the MLB drug testing released info to the NY papers about what drug Raffi tested positive for and it is indeed a steroid that you cant accidentally take since its usually injected or consumed. Interesting now how he blatantly lied to everyone about not knowing what he was taking... I now believe he should never be in the HOF and should face jail time. Must be an addiction... he obviously used them before with the Rangers like Canseco said and just couldnt stop...
Thats true but I work out with Barry from time to time when he isnt in LA and the guy who is obviously not on steroids now (dont think hes an idiot like Raffi) is still a huge guy. He is a big and very very strong guy so I dont think that if he did take steroids that it was to get bigger in order to hit HR's but thats only my opinion.
ESPN did an interview and one of their big stories on Mark and Andro (Outside the Lines i believe the show was) and he said he used steroids for the healing and workout recorvery bonus. Maybe thats why Bonds isnt recovering so fast now... but who knows.
I guess Canseco is in never never land but now it appears he was telling the truth.
Thats true but I work out with Barry from time to time when he isnt in LA and the guy who is obviously not on steroids now (dont think hes an idiot like Raffi) is still a huge guy. He is a big and very very strong guy so I dont think that if he did take steroids that it was to get bigger in order to hit HR's but thats only my opinion.
ESPN did an interview and one of their big stories on Mark and Andro (Outside the Lines i believe the show was) and he said he used steroids for the healing and workout recorvery bonus. Maybe thats why Bonds isnt recovering so fast now... but who knows.
I guess Canseco is in never never land but now it appears he was telling the truth.
T
Why else would he have taken them, if not to hit more homeruns? Barry WAS one of the pure hitters of the game, reminiscent of Tony Gwynn, he had bat speed and an amazing eye, BUT, he never produced homeruns in astonishing numbers before steroids, so I don't see how anyone can think he didn't take steroids to hit more homeruns.
I can pretty much pinpoint exactly when Barry DID start using steroids. The number sjump out at you, as does the abupt change in his physique. All of a sudden a 35 yr old who should be going into decline becomes stronger than he ever was before by a LOT and balls start flying out of the park. Hmmm...wonder how that could possibly be?
At this point pretty much all of the home run records of the past 15 years are badly tainted. Everyone wondered how/why so many home runs began to be hit all of a sudden, well now we know. Hell, I am old enough to remember the late 80's when it was a huge thing that Canseco and Cecil Fielder were trying to be the first guys since the late 70's to hit 50 HRs.
The only big time HR hitter from that era who seemingly MIGHT be 100% clean was Ken Griffey Jr. and his perfect swing. But who knows -- I say that just because he never got bulky, but he abruptly got much more powerful in the early 90's too.
At this point pretty much all of the home run records of the past 15 years are badly tainted. Everyone wondered how/why so many home runs began to be hit all of a sudden, well now we know. Hell, I am old enough to remember the late 80's when it was a huge thing that Canseco and Cecil Fielder were trying to be the first guys since the late 70's to hit 50 HRs.
The only big time HR hitter from that era who seemingly MIGHT be 100% clean was Ken Griffey Jr. and his perfect swing. But who knows -- I say that just because he never got bulky, but he abruptly got much more powerful in the early 90's too.
Let me preface my statement with this: I know little or nothing about baseball.
However, I can say with COMPLETE CONVICTION that reports of Palmero's steroid use was not only not a shock, but expected. Yes, I saw it comming. I am not being funny, I am being totaly serious. Why might you ask? Because, of his promotion of products for E.D! Yes, this report fits the description. He has probably been on the juice at LEAST since these commercials.
However, I can say with COMPLETE CONVICTION that reports of Palmero's steroid use was not only not a shock, but expected. Yes, I saw it comming. I am not being funny, I am being totaly serious. Why might you ask? Because, of his promotion of products for E.D! Yes, this report fits the description. He has probably been on the juice at LEAST since these commercials.