OAKLAND—Just one week after Melky Cabrera was banned 50 games for steroids, Oakland Athletics pitcher Bartolo Colon has been suspended 50 games for taking the same substance.
In a statement, Colon said: “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.”
Colon is now the fifth player this season to be banned for taking illegal substances. His positive test for testosterone is the same substance Melky Cabrera tested positive for.
Colon had revitalized his career in Oakland, after a few seasons of flying under the radar. In 2005, Colon won the American League Cy Young Award as a member of the Anaheim Angels.
The fact that Colon plays in the Bay Area is unsettling, as that is where the steroids issue has been most prevalent for Major League Baseball, dating back to Barry Bonds (SF), and even further to Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire (Oak).
The A’s will miss Bartolo Colon as they make a push towards the playoffs with only 40 games left in the season. Colon had a 3.43 ERA and 10 wins so far with Oakland this season.
By Eric Lemus
