Marlon Byrd Suspended 162 Games 

I really don’t want to bury the lede here: Marlon Byrd was still playing baseball, for the Indians, and was having a pretty productive season! But that’s over. The veteran outfielder has accepted a 162-game suspension after a positive PED test.

Byrd reportedly tested positive for Ipamorelin, a banned substance that increases growth hormone secretion. In a statement, Byrd said he took an unapproved supplement, and will not appeal the suspension.

Recently, I was notified that I had tested positive for Ipamorelin, a peptide prohibited by the JDA. In 2012, I tested positive for the medication Tamoxifen, which I was using on the advice of a physician for a medical condition resulting from surgery, and I accepted my suspension without challenge. Since that time, I have paid close attention to the substances that are banned by the Joint Drug Agreement, as I had no intention of taking any banned substances. I relied upon a medical professional for assistance and advice with respect to the supplements that I was taking.

However, certain supplements I was taking were not on the NSF Certified for Sport list, and therefore, I assumed certain risks in taking them. When I learned that I had tested positive for Ipamorelin, I retained the services of private counsel and an independent chemist to determine the origin of the Ipamorelin test result because I never knowingly ingested Ipamorelin. After an extensive investigation by my lawyers and an independent chemist, it was concluded that the most likely source of Ipamorelin was a tainted supplement.

I alone am responsible for what I put in my body, and therefore, I have decided for forgo my right to an appeal in this matter and accept the suspension. I apologize for any harm this has caused the Cleveland Indians, Indians’ fans, my teammates, and most importantly, my family.

The 162 games is now the standard for a second offense, and Byrd missed 50 games with the Red Sox in 2012 after testing positive for a different substance.

This will likely be the end of a pretty impressive career for Byrd, who played 15 seasons with 10 different teams. Turning 39 in August, Byrd signed a minor-league deal with the Indians and made the team out of spring training, earning a $1 million base salary and another potential couple million in performance bonuses. Dude took his shot.