Detroit Tigers infielder Neifi Perez became the first player suspended by Major League Baseball for using amphetamines. Perez was suspended for 25 games, the penalty for a second positive test.
“I say to my fans that I am not stupid… I know the difference between good and bad and there are things that are going to be known going forward, but my lawyer has advised me not to talk for now.”
Stimulants were banned prior to the 2006 season. Under MLB’s Joint Drug Treatment and Prevention Program, a first positive test for amphetamines results in counseling and additional testing, a second positive test garners a 25 game suspension, a third positive test results in an 80-game suspension. A fourth brings a lifetime ban.
The only other players linked to a failed amphetamines test are Barry Bonds and Jason Giambi who both reportedly tested positive once. In both cases the results were leaked to the media and neither player denied the reports and neither was suspended under the terms of MLB’s drug policy.
