Barely a week after Giants All-Star MVP Melky Cabrera was busted with high amounts of testosterone in his system, Oakland A's starting pitcher Bartolo Colon has also been suspended for being in violation of the MLB's drug prevention program. Colon, who is 39, will sit out the next 50 games with the Athletics. With only 40 games left in the regular season, it looks like Colon is effectively done for the year, barring a deep postseason run by the A's.
Like Melky, Colon has tossed out a boilerplate apology for his fans and teammates in Oakland, saying in a statement to the MLB players' association: "I apologize to the fans, to my teammates and to the Oakland A’s. I accept responsibility for my actions and I will serve my suspension as required by the Joint Drug Program.”
Per MLB guidelines, players and ball clubs don't get much room to comment on these matters, but here is the A's official statement:
The Oakland Athletics are disappointed to learn of today’s suspension of pitcher Bartolo Colon. The organization fully supports Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program and its efforts to eliminate performance-enhancing substances from our game. Per the Basic Agreement, the A’s will have no further comment.
The Athletics were currently 1/2 a game down in the AL Wild Card race before today, and Colon will lose just less than half a million dollars of his $2 million salary.
Previously: Melky Cabrera Benched 50 Games For Doping
[Chron]