GaryMrMets
07-10-2005, 01:07 AM
Betancourt suspended for violating MLB's drugs policy
.c The Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) - Cleveland Indians pitcher Rafael Betancourt was suspended by Major League Baseball on Friday for 10 days after testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance.
Betancourt, on the disabled list with a shoulder injury, disputes the claim and said he will ask the players' association to file a grievance to clear his name.
``I am very angry and disappointed with major league baseball's decision to suspend me,'' Betancourt said in a statement. ``I am very sorry if this has caused any embarrassment and I apologize to my family, the Cleveland Indians organization, my teammates and all the fans. I look forward to resolving this matter and returning to the Indians as soon as possible.''
Betancourt is the sixth player suspended under MLB's policy, which began in March. There have been 77 players suspended under the minor league program.
The suspension will cost the reliever $18,503 (euro15,500) of his $338,600 (euro284,400) salary.
Betancourt went on the disabled list on Sunday, a move retroactive to June 30. He has been a key cog in the Indians' bullpen, going 2-2 with a 2.21 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 36 2-3 innings.
07/08/05 20:47 EDT
Copyright 2003 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.
.c The Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) - Cleveland Indians pitcher Rafael Betancourt was suspended by Major League Baseball on Friday for 10 days after testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance.
Betancourt, on the disabled list with a shoulder injury, disputes the claim and said he will ask the players' association to file a grievance to clear his name.
``I am very angry and disappointed with major league baseball's decision to suspend me,'' Betancourt said in a statement. ``I am very sorry if this has caused any embarrassment and I apologize to my family, the Cleveland Indians organization, my teammates and all the fans. I look forward to resolving this matter and returning to the Indians as soon as possible.''
Betancourt is the sixth player suspended under MLB's policy, which began in March. There have been 77 players suspended under the minor league program.
The suspension will cost the reliever $18,503 (euro15,500) of his $338,600 (euro284,400) salary.
Betancourt went on the disabled list on Sunday, a move retroactive to June 30. He has been a key cog in the Indians' bullpen, going 2-2 with a 2.21 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 36 2-3 innings.
07/08/05 20:47 EDT
Copyright 2003 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.