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Braves Outfielder Jurickson Profar Suspended for Performance-Enhancing Drug Use
Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has received an 80-game suspension without pay for violating Major League Baseball’s (MLB) Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The penalty stems from a positive test for a performance-enhancing substance.
MLB Announces Positive Test for Banned Substance
Major League Baseball declared on Monday that Jurickson Profar tested positive for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG). This infraction of the league’s drug policy results in an immediate suspension for the Braves player.
Details of the Banned Substance: Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG)
Chorionic Gonadotrophin, or HCG, is typically employed in fertility treatments for women. However, it can also be misused by men as a masking agent to elevate testosterone levels after steroid use. This substance is prohibited under MLB’s guidelines for performance-enhancing drugs. Notably, this is not the first instance of HCG being linked to baseball suspensions; Manny Ramirez previously faced a 50-game ban in 2009 for using the same substance.
Immediate Suspension and Impact on Atlanta Braves
Profar’s suspension took immediate effect. Unless games are postponed, he will be eligible to return to the Braves lineup on June 29 against the Philadelphia Phillies. The suspension will cost him $5.8 million of his $12 million salary for the season. Furthermore, Profar will be ineligible to participate in the postseason. This suspension creates a significant void in the Braves outfield, particularly as Ronald Acuña Jr. is still in recovery from an injury.
Jurickson Profar Responds to Suspension
In a statement, Jurickson Profar described the day of the announcement as “the most difficult day of my baseball career.” He asserted that he would “never knowingly cheat” the game.
Profar expressed deep regret stating:
- “This is especially painful for me because anyone who knows me and has seen me play knows I am deeply passionate about the game.”
- “There is nothing I love more than competing with my teammates and being a fan favorite.”
- “I want to apologize to the entire Braves organization, my teammates and the fans.”
He further elaborated on his respect for baseball and denied intentional wrongdoing:
- “It is because of my deep love and respect for this game that I would never knowingly do anything to cheat it.”
- “I have been tested my entire career, including eight times last season alone, and have never tested positive.”
- “I would never willingly take a banned substance, but I take full responsibility and accept MLB’s decision.”
Profar’s Recent Performance and Braves Contract
The 32-year-old Profar is coming off a strong season where he earned an All-Star selection and Silver Slugger award. In the previous year, while playing for San Diego, he achieved a .280 batting average and career highs with 24 home runs and 85 RBIs. Subsequently, he signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Atlanta Braves during the offseason.