MLB defending batting champ, Dee Gordon, has been suspended for 80 games for violation of the league's performance-enhancing drug policy, which was announced Thursday. The 28-year-old Miami Marlins second baseman is reported to have tested positive for both exogenous testosterone, and clostebol; two substances he denies having knowingly ingested. Despite feigning ignorance, Gordan has said that he will not appeal. The duration of his absence forces him to forfeit $1.65 million of his salary, and per the rules of MLB's drug policy, he is banned from participating in the postseason.
"The hardest part about this is feeling that I have let down my teammates, the organization and the fans," Gordon said in response to the tests results. "I have been careful to avoid products that could contain something banned by MLB and the 20+ tests that I have taken and passed throughout my career prove this. I made a mistake and I accept the consequences."
News of the suspension comes at an untimely point in the season for Don Mattingly's club. Despite coming into the season with one of the leagues best offenses, Miami struggled up until recently, as the wheels have begun turning to the tune of a 5-game winning streak. Gordan has yet to contribute much, batting .266 with a .289 on base percentage, but his potential to go off at any moment was undeniable. The six year veteran finished 2015 batting a league best .333 with 58 stolen bases and 88 runs scored. The stellar season earned Dee a five-year, $50 million contract.
"These guys love Dee, and we're going to support him," said Mattingly, who also coached Gordon early in his career with the Dodgers. "I feel like Dee's one of my kids, to be honest with you, because I've known him so long. So we're going to love him, and then we're going to support him. He's been a big part of the success that we've had."
Coincidentally, Gordon will also be missed by the teams new hitting coach, home run king Barry Bonds; himself defamed for his use of PED's.
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