Cameron tests positive for banned stimulant, suspended 25 games

By: DAN HAYES -- Staff Writer | Wednesday, October 31, 2007 1:08 PM PDT ∞

Padres center fielder Mike Cameron was suspended for 25 games by Major League Baseball on Wednesday after testing positive for a banned stimulant. According to a Major League Baseball official, it was the second time Cameron has tested positive for one of the 30 banned stimulants listed in baseball's drug policy.

Cameron, who is eligible to become a free agent, was adamant that he didn't take steroids.

"The one thing I wanted to make sure was explained is, no steroids," Cameron told radio station 1090 AM on Wednesday morning. "I never took nothing like that before in my life. That would be 50 games, and that would affect me a whole lot more."

Mike Teevan, a spokesperson for MLB, confirmed that Cameron would have received a 50-game suspension had he tested positive for steroids. According to baseball's drug policy, all players must take a drug test within five days of reporting to spring training. Players also must take another random drug test.

Cameron tested positive during one of his two tests resulting in as many as six more unannounced tests over 12 months.

"The first time a player tests positive, he subjects himself to expanded random testing," Teevan said.

Cameron released a statement Wednesday through his agent, Mike Nicotera.

"Since learning of my positive test result, I have done everything possible to determine what may have caused a positive test," Cameron said in the statement. "After all of the analysis and testing, I can only conclude that a nutritional supplement I was taking was tainted. Unfortunately, the actual supplement is gone, and therefore cannot be tested. Without the actual supplement in hand, the rules are clear, and I must accept the suspension."

Padres CEO Sandy Alderson also released a statement regarding Cameron's testing positive.

"Mike has been a valuable member of the Padres over the last two seasons who has been respected for his contributions on the field, his stature in the clubhouse, and his involvement in the San Diegocommunity," Alderson said.

"Accordingly, the Padres are extremely disappointed that Mike has tested positive for a stimulant banned by MLB's drug policy. Nonetheless, the Padres staunchly support that policy and hope that Mike's suspension serves as a reminder that performance-enhancing drugs have no place in professional sports."

Cameron, who has won three Gold Gloves during his 12-year career, hit .242 with 21 homers and 78 RBIs for the Padres this season.