Seattle Mariners minor league outfielder Herschel “Boog” Powell has been suspended 80 games for violating Major League Baseball’s drug agreement after testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance.
The Seattle Mariners haven’t had a great month of June and while in the midst of a six-game losing streak comes word that one of their minor league players has been suspended for 80 games after testing positive for dehydrochlormethyltestosterone, an anabolic steroid. Outfielder Boog Powell went to the Mariners in a November trade with the Tampa Bay Rays—he was one of six players involved in the deal—and in January he was ranked the #9 prospect in the Mariners’ system by Baseball America.
The Mariners released a statement:
"“The Seattle Mariners are disappointed that Boog Powell has violated the terms Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Our organization fully supports the Program and its efforts to eliminate performance-enhancing substances from our game.”"
Powell also released a statement through his agent in which he accepts responsibility but also claims that he has no idea how the drug got into his system:
"“I am extremely disappointed to announce that today I have accepted a penalty under MLB’s Joint Drug Treatment and Prevention Program. While I realize this has become a common refrain among athletes faced with such discipline, the truth is I do not know how this substance could possibly have been in my system. I can only say that this is not a reflection of my true character, and those who know me understand the deep respect I have for my fellow competitors and teammates. I would never betray that by attempting to gain an improper advantage.“I have already taken proactive steps to look into this situation, and will not rest until there is a full explanation for this result which will vindicate me. Until that happens, however, I realize that accountability rests solely with me on this matter. I am responsible for everything I put in my body, and part of that responsibility means dealing with the consequences regardless of the explanation. I would like to apologize to my family, friends, the Seattle Mariners organization and its fans for this situation, and I will work to rebuild trust with each of you through my words and actions moving forward. I promise you, I will find a solution to all of this.”"
This is the second time Powell has been suspended for a drug violation. In 2014, he was suspended 50 games after testing positive for an amphetamine while was in the Oakland A’s minor league system.
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Powell was batting .270 with 27 RBI and 10 stolen bases in 64 games for the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers, playing center field. His suspension will actually carry into the 2017 season because the Rainiers have 72 games remaining their 2016 schedule.