Mike Cameron suspended for 25 games

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3088062

Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Baseball suspends Cameron 25 games for failed test
Associated Press

SAN DIEGO -- Mike Cameron, the Padres' Gold Glove center fielder, was suspended for the first 25 games of next season on Wednesday after testing positive a second time for a banned stimulant.

Cameron, who plans to file for free agency, said he believes he took a tainted supplement.

"The one thing I wanted to make sure was explained is, no steroids," Cameron told AM 1090, the Padres' flagship radio station. "I never took nothing like that before in my life. That would be 50 games, and that would affect me a whole lot more."

Cameron issued a statement through his agent, saying doctors for the players' association helped him narrow down what triggered the positive test.

"After all of the analysis and testing, I can only conclude that a nutritional supplement I was taking was tainted," he said. "Unfortunately, the actual supplement is gone, and therefore cannot be tested. Without the actual supplement in hand, the rules are clear, and I must accept the suspension."

Players who initially test positive for a stimulant receive counseling. Suspensions begin only with a second positive test.

"Mike has been a valuable member of the Padres over the last two seasons who has been respected for his contributions on the field, his stature in the clubhouse and his involvement in the San Diego community," Padres CEO Sandy Alderson said in a statement. "Accordingly, the Padres are extremely disappointed that Mike has tested positive for a stimulant banned by MLB's drug policy. Nonetheless, the Padres staunchly support that policy and hope that Mike's suspension serves as a reminder that performance-enhancing drugs have no place in professional sports."

Cameron missed almost the entire final week of the season after fellow outfielder Milton Bradley inadvertently stepped on his right hand while the two pursued an inside-the-park home run by Colorado's Garrett Atkins on Sept. 23. Cameron made a pinch-running appearance in San Diego's 13-inning loss at Colorado on Oct. 1 in the wild-card tiebreaker game.

In his second season with the Padres, Cameron's offensive numbers fell off this season, as he hit just .242 and struck out 160 times. He hit 21 homers.

Cameron is best-known for hitting four home runs in a game in 2002 and for a frightening collision in Petco Park's outfield three seasons later.

On May 2, 2002, while with Seattle, Cameron became the 13th player in big league history to hit four home runs in a game. On Aug. 11, 2005, he was seriously injured when he collided face-to-face with Mets teammate Carlos Beltran in a game against the Padres. The Padres obtained Cameron in a trade with the Mets that offseason.

The only other player suspended for testing positive for stimulants under Major League Baseball's drug plan was Detroit infielder Neifi Perez, who received a 25-game suspension on July 6 following his second positive test, and an 80-game suspension on Aug. 3 following his third positive test.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

He seems to be taking it in stride. I almost wonder if it wouldn't be more beneficial to the players and the leagues if they hired a company to handle the supplements for players.

[Reggie Miller]

I'm not defending the guy, but a false positive for stimulants is MANY, MANY times more likely than a false positive for anabolic steroids. I honestly believe that some of these companies slip ephedra and pseudoephedrine into products that wouldn't be effective otherwise.

[Reggie Miller]

He seems to be taking it in stride. I almost wonder if it wouldn't be more beneficial to the players and the leagues if they hired a company to handle the supplements for players.

That's what the experts at the hearings two years ago recommended. It's not like these guys can't afford it.

[K-State Spur]

I'm not defending the guy, but a false positive for stimulants is MANY, MANY times more likely than a false positive for anabolic steroids. I honestly believe that some of these companies slip ephedra and pseudoephedrine into products that wouldn't be effective otherwise.

that's actually true, which is why the olympics do (and major league baseball should) encourage the use of NO supplements.

[T Park]

supplements encourage good health, i dont see whats wrong with good working supplements.

[K-State Spur]

supplements encourage good health, i dont see whats wrong with good working supplements.

depends what supplements. if you're talking about vitamins and such, then yes. (although most nutricians would say that its healthier to get your recommendations through food and drink.)

if you're talking about some of the muscle building powders, don't believe everything that the guy at your local GNC tells you.

[Reggie Miller]

depends what supplements. if you're talking about vitamins and such, then yes. (although most nutricians would say that its healthier to get your recommendations through food and drink.)

if you're talking about some of the muscle building powders, don't believe everything that the guy at your local GNC tells you.

Many medical experts allege that Americans have access to enough variety in their diets to make supplements largely redundant. To be honest, I take Centrum multivitamins myself. I have taken other things at other points in my life (none illegal).

[JamStone]

I know it wouldn't be easy to do and players are going to take what they like, but can't the MLB somehow act as distributor for league approved supplements? Instead of just sending lists of banned substances, engage in some business with companies that make these supplements so that the League distributes them to the players. Is that possible?

[BeerIsGood!]

You want MLB to become drug dealers?

[JamStone]

Pharmacist, for League "APPROVED" supplements.