New York Mets pitcher, Guillermo Mota, was suspended 50 games Wednesday for violating Major League Baseball’s drug policy. It was the third suspension this year (following Yusaku Iriki and Jason Grimsley) and fifteenth suspension overall.
Mota admitted full responsibility in a statement issued the same day.
“I used extremely poor judgment and deserve to be held accountable. To my teammates and the entire Mets organization, I am sorry. I truly regret what I did and hope that you can forgive me.”
“To baseball fans everywhere, I understand that you are disappointed in me, and I don’t blame you. I feel terrible and I promise this is the first and last time that this will happen.”
Mota’s agent, Adam Katz, put to rest any speculation the relief pitcher might retire rather than face the media attention come spring training.
“He is anxious to get back to work. I believe he’ll be a better person and a better player moving forward.”