Wow. Jurickson Profar has been suspended by Major League Baseball after testing positive for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), a performance-enhancing steroid, in violation of the league’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. He will be out for 80 games and will be ineligible to play for the Atlanta Braves in the playoffs.
The following is Jurickson Profar’s statement:
“Braves fans, Today marks the most difficult day of my baseball career. I am devastated to announce that Major League Baseball and the Commissioner’s office have suspended me for 80 games after testing positive for a banned drug this offseason.
This is extremely upsetting for me because anyone who knows me or has seen me play knows how passionate I am about the game. Nothing excites me more than competing with my teammates and being a fan favorite. I’d like to apologize to the whole Braves organization, including my teammates and fans. Because of my tremendous love and respect for this game, I would never intentionally cheat in it. I’ve been tested throughout my career, including eight times last season, and have never tested positive. I would never willingly use a forbidden substance, but I accept full responsibility for MLB’s decision.
I’m devastated that I won’t be on the pitch with my teammates for the next 80 games. I am excited to compete at the highest level again this season when I return.
As someone who adored Jurickson as a Padre, this is disappointing to watch. You never want someone who appears to be such a decent human being to go through something like this.
But I am a Padres fan, and he is currently not a Padre. He’s on another National League contender who could be the reason my club misses the playoffs, so a part of me is pleased with this news.
Profar is at the top of the lineup and is coming off a stellar year.
Not only will he be out for the Padres’ final three regular-season games against Atlanta in May, but he is also unlikely to hit 24 home runs and drive in 85 runs this season.
Who knows when Ronald Acuna Jr. will return, and Atlanta’s lineup will suffer even more during this time, which might cost them a playoff spot—and help the Padres get one.
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