MLB mulls punishment plan
Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Troy Glaus will meet as early as today with Major League baseball officials regarding a report he received steroids and testosterone after baseball had adopted its current drug policy, two sources said Thursday.
Also, baseball officials are considering a plan to punish offenders based on the policy at the time of their transgressions, meaning Glaus – if found in violation of the 2004 version of the Joint Drug Agreement – could face a suspension of 10 games. The policy has since been toughened; first-time offenders are suspended for 50 games. However, the new plan might be met with resistance by the powerful players' union.
Glaus was sent shipments of steroids and testosterone by Signature Pharmacy in Orlando, Fla. from September 2003 to May 2004, according to SI.com. Baseball initiated survey testing for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003 and instituted testing with disciplinary measures in 2004, when Glaus played for the Anaheim Angels.
Other leaks have led to news reports detailing how St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Rick Ankiel and Baltimore Orioles outfielder Jay Gibbons allegedly obtained performance-enhancing drugs. MLB is acting solely on the news reports because authorities who might have knowledge of players who obtained or used drugs have not provided the information to the league.
Some of the reports allege players received drugs before the Collective Bargaining Agreement between MLB and the players' union was amended to include the ban on steroids almost three years ago, meaning attempts at discipline likely would not survive a grievance.
MLB officials met with Ankiel on Tuesday and have requested meetings with Gibbons and Los Angeles Angels outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. in addition to Glaus. Matthews was the first name leaked after the February raids of Signature and several health clinics. Ankiel, who said he received human growth hormone with a doctor's prescription in 2004, was asked by MLB officials to cooperate with the Mitchell commission, according to a source.
Gibbons reportedly was sent steroids and HGH between October 2003 and July 2005. If the allegations are proven, he could be subject to the current policy.
Ankiel, a converted pitcher, is batting .301 with nine home runs in 29 games since being promoted from Triple-A. Glaus will undergo season-ending surgery next week to repair a nerve in his left foot and is out for the season. Gibbons is on the disabled list with a shoulder injury and hasn't played since Aug. 12.
