Geovany Soto Tested Positive for Marijuana
June 25, 2009 by Stephen Kersey
Filed under Baseball
While playing for Puerto Rico in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, Chicago Cubs catcher Geovany Soto tested positive for the use of marijuana. The 2008 NL Rookie of the Year said that he was informed of the news by the International Baseball Federation.
Said Soto in a statement released to the media: “While I fully acknowledge my inappropriate behavior, I want to assure my fans and my family that this was an isolated incident. I do not say this to minimize or deflect from my conduct and I fully understand the ramifications of my actions. I have and will accept any and all consequences.”
So far in 2009, Soto has been in a bit of a sophomore slump. He’s hitting just .227 with six homers and 21 RBIs. That said, he’s starting to hit better in June. In fact, he has five of his six homers in this month.
It’s unknown whether the 26-year-old native of San Juan, Puerto Rico will face any disciplinary action from Major League Baseball and commissioner Bud Selig.
Geovany Soto Marijuana Positive Test (Image: Zuma Press)
Does the MLB have a zero tollerance policy that would jeapordize his playing time this year? One would think, as times change (movement towards legalization), when a situation like this (first time) arises, they would handle it internally with some sort of probation.