Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has been suspended by Main League Baseball after he violated the league’s performance-enhancing drug coverage, and the timing of the information has raised a lot of legitimate questions.
Profar has been suspended 80 video games after he examined constructive for chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), which is a hormone that’s on MLB’s checklist of banned substances. The 32-year-old issued an announcement apologizing however claiming he “would by no means knowingly do something to cheat.”
“I need to apologize to your complete Braves group, my teammates, and the followers,” Profar wrote. “It’s due to my deep love and respect for this sport that I’d by no means knowingly do something to cheat it. I’ve been examined my total profession, together with eight instances final season alone, and have by no means examined constructive. I’d by no means willingly take a banned substance, however I take full accountability and settle for MLB’s resolution.”
Profar might be eligible to return after 80 video games, however he won’t be permitted to participate within the postseason if the Braves make it that far. MLB guidelines prohibit gamers who violate the league’s PED coverage from taking part within the playoffs.
Whereas Profar claimed he was examined quite a few instances in the course of the 2024 season, the timing of the violation is a horrible search for him. He’s coming off a season through which he posted career highs nearly across the board. Profar posted a slash line of .280/.380/.459. He had 24 dwelling runs, 85 RBI, 158 hits and 94 runs, all of which had been the most effective marks of an MLB profession that started greater than a decade in the past.
Profar’s career-best season additionally occurred to return in a contract 12 months. He was named an All-Star for the primary time, gained a Silver Slugger Award after which signed a three-year, $42M contract with Atlanta.
Profar is pleading ignorance, however the truth that he was busted for PED use simply months after ending up a profession season and signing a large contract has rightfully resulted in lots of skepticism.
