Super70s Baseball: Superstar Tests Positive for Performance-Enhancing Drugs

By VOA News
August 3, 2005

Published reports say Rafael Palmeiro of the Baltimore Orioles, who received a 10-day suspension from Major League Baseball on Monday, tested positive for the powerful anabolic steroid Stanozolol.

The New York Times and New York Daily News cited anonymous sources with direct knowledge of the sport's drug-testing program. The newspapers reported his positive drug test conducted in May could not have come from a tainted dietary supplement.

Last month the 40-year-old Palmeiro became just the fourth player to reach the 3,000 hit mark and have 500 home runs. But as he approached the milestone, Major League Baseball officials were already aware of his positive test. Palmeiro appealed the punishment, which was denied after a secret and drawn out arbitration process.

The Orioles' first baseman, who is the highest profile player to be punished so far, testified before Congress in March that he "never used steroids." In a statement after the positive test was announced, Palmeiro did not deny the positive test, but was adamant it was an accident.

One day after Palmeiro was suspended, Seattle Mariners pitcher Ryan Franklin became the eighth player caught under baseball's new steroid policy. He was also suspended for 10 days and denied knowingly having taken anything illegal.

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.