POSTED: Sunday February 8th 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MLB Statement regarding Sports Illustrated News Story

Official statement

Major League Baseball Executive Vice President of Labor Relations Rob Manfred issued the following statement today regarding today\‘s Sports Illustrated news story:

\“We are disturbed by the allegations contained in the Sports Illustrated news story which was posted online this morning. Because the survey testing that took place in 2003 was intended to be non-disciplinary and anonymous, we can not make any comment on the accuracy of this report as it pertains to the player named.

\“Based on the results of the 2003 tests, Major League Baseball was able to institute a mandatory random-testing program with penalties in 2004. Major League Baseball and the Players Association have improved the drug testing program on several occasions so that it is now the toughest program in professional sports. The program bans stimulants, such as amphetamines, as well as steroids.

\“Any allegation of tipping that took place under prior iterations of the program is of grave concern to Major League Baseball, as such behavior would constitute a serious breach of our agreement.

\“Under Commissioner Selig\‘s leadership, Major League Baseball remains fully committed to the elimination of the use of performance enhancing substances from baseball. As the Commissioner has said, we will continue to do everything within our power to eliminate the use of such drugs and to protect the integrity of the program.\”

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Keywords · MLB · Major League Baseball · Sports Illustrated

Name: Richard Levin
Organization: MLB Major League Baseball
Email:
Phone: +1.(212) 931-7878
URL: http://mlb.mlb.com/index.jsp

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