Palmeiro
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- slinky0
Palmeiro/Orioles statement
http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com…Thank you very much for joining me on this call today. I am saddened that we are here to address this issue, but because of the importance of it, I feel the need to make a brief statement and address your questions. At the outset, let me say that under the rules of the basic agreement and the order of the independent arbitrator, there is an order of confidentiality governing the specifics of this case. I will attempt to state as much as I can and be as forthright as possible, but there will be issues I can't address based on orders imposed on me by the basic agreement and the arbitration process.
I am here to make it very clear that I have never intentionally used steroids. Never. Ever. Period.
When I found out that I failed a test under the new drug policy, I filed a grievance and challenged the suspension on the basis that I have never intentionally taken a banned substance. Ultimately, although I never intentionally put a banned substance into my body - the independent arbitrator ruled that I had to be suspended under the terms of the program.
I am sure you will ask how I tested positive for a banned substance. As I look back, I don't have a specific answer to give. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to explain to the arbitrator how the banned substance entered my body. The arbitrator did not find that I used a banned substance intentionally - in fact, he said he found my testimony to be compelling - but he ruled that I could not meet the heavy burden imposed on players who test positive under the new drug policy.
I accept this punishment and want to address it publicly. I want to apologize to MLB, the Baltimore Orioles organization, my teammates, and most of all, my fans. Given my role with the No Tolerance Committee and my relationships with Congress, I feel the need to communicate a serious message to my fellow players and to kids everywhere. All of us have to be responsible and exercise extreme care in what we put in our body. I hope that all MLB players and kids will learn from what has happened to me. I have never intentionally used a banned substance, but I unfortunately wasn't careful enough.
I take my role as a professional athlete seriously. I love baseball and have great respect for all of the players who played before me. I have always done my best to live each day in ways that would make my family proud. Everything I have accomplished is the result of hard work and dedication to being the best possible player I can be.
I feel terrible that this has happened, but I think there is something to be gained from it. If my situation results in the education of current and future players about the dangers of taking anything without a prescription from a licensed physician -- that is a positive. At the end of the day, it is important for all players to understand the risk of contamination and to be very careful about what they put in their body.
This suspension is going to be incredibly difficult for me, my wife and my 2 boys. Over the next week and a half, I am going to spend time with my family. I am going to come back and will be as determined as ever to help the Orioles win this pennant race that we are in. We have worked very hard to be in a position to bring our fans a title, and I will not let this be a distraction.
Finally, I would like to thank Commissioner Selig and Mr. Angelos for their strong words of encouragement. I had the opportunity to speak with both of them and I am extremely appreciative of their support and friendship.
Statement from Peter Angelos
Orioles OwnerI am truly saddened by today's events. I have known Rafael Palmeiro for many years. He is a fine person, a great player and a true asset to his community. I know from personal experience that his accomplishments are due to hard work and his dedication to the game.
I know that Rafael will accept the penalty under Baseball's important Drug Policy and that he will return to be a productive member of the Orioles.
Statement from Mike Flanagan
Orioles Vice President/Baseball OperationsI am obviously disappointed to hear the news of this suspension. Raffy has been a friend of mine for many years. He is one of the most dedicated and hard-working players in baseball. I know he would not violate the rules intentionally. I look forward to his return. We will surely miss him and his contribution to the club.
- ********0
sad, I lost respect for him
- ********0
Pete Rose
Ty Cobb
Hank Aaron
Stan Musial
Tris Speaker
Carl Yastrzemski
Honus Wagner
Paul Molitor
Willie Mays
Eddie Murray
Nap Lajoie
Cal Ripken, Jr.
George Brett
Paul Waner
Robin Yount
Tony Gwynn
Dave Winfield
Cap Anson
Rickey Henderson
Rod Carew
Lou Brock
Rafael Palmeiro*
Wade Boggs
Al Kaline
Roberto Clemente* = Steroid Use
Looks great don't it? Same goes for Bonds and his coveted HR Title...
- ********0
That photo is the split second before he roid raged.
- ********0
*turns into Raffy P.
*pulls up to Balco Labs
*I'll take 10 cc's and a taco please
- mrdobolina0
palmeiro looks like a latin soap opera star.
- slinky0
spot Palmeiro in the pic
http://www.grassrootspa.com/Week…
- mattyd0
andrew mccarthy is one of the most underrated actors of all time.
- ********0
lol, you two hahha
- GreedoLives0
i'd still like to know why the hell they called schilling to that steroid hearing...nobody suspects him of using anything but fryalator drips and jalapeno poppers.
Also, let Pete Rose in the hall already.
- mattyd0
schilling is a spokesman for the players association or something. he just went to represent the players. he wasnt accused of anything.
- PonyBoy0
Enter response:
greedo... you ever get the feeling that schilling might be a snitch?
i'm asking.. not accusing.
- ********0
Pete Rose = Guinea Pig
he never gettin' in
- Gorbie0
i want to see a 'Roid League.
no holds barred, all out roid raging maniacs shootin up between pitches.
- BonSeff0
'getting dusted on home plate
- arthur0
no, griffey jr has the smoothest swing ever.
however, raffy has the the smoothest mustache ever.
mattyd
(Aug 1 05, 09:15)Smoothest swing ever:
Will "the thrill" Clark
- ********0
I'd like to see Raffy pull a Robbie Fowler....
Get into the batter's box and act as if he's putting a needle in his arm....
hahhhaa loser
- ********0
ya know, with his size if he indeed takes it he's probably only on a few ccs. and he's not taking them for size, more for the feeling mentally of invincibility, and the fact that his joints with their aches and pains will virtually be gone. a few ccs every 5 or 6 days and his body will feel like he's 30 again. when he's off it though it all will catch up and he won't be able to get out of bed in the morning.
you know, you really have to think... how long have they been doing it and... did the past greats do it to?
if arnold was doing it in the 60s, and from what is understood of how widespread it was in the bodybuilding world, one has to ask were baseball players using it to?
even 30 years prior to it? no one will ever know.
- vwsung18t0
i want to see a 'Roid League.
no holds barred, all out roid raging maniacs shootin up between pitches.
Gorbie
(Aug 1 05, 11:52)like the all-drugs olympics they had on SNL? where that russian weightlifter ripped his arms off going for a ridculous amount of weight?
