New York Mets closer Jenrry Mejia suspended for positive test
Last Updated: 13/04/15 7:31am
New York Mets closer Jenrry Mejia has been suspended for 80 games without pay after testing positive for the banned substance stanozolol.
The 25-year-old right-hander, who is on the disabled list with an inflamed elbow, will not be able to play again until at least July and will be ineligible for the play-offs if the team make the post-season.
“I know the rules are the rules and I will accept my punishment, but I can honestly say I have no idea how a banned substance ended up in my system," Mejia said in a statement issued by the players' union.
"I have been through a lot in my young career and missed time due to injury. I have worked way too hard to come back and get to where I am, so I would never knowingly put anything in my body that I thought could hold me out further.
"I'm sorry to the Mets organisation, my team-mates and the fans, as well as my family."
Mets captain and third baseman David Wright said: "It's obviously disappointing. Not only do you cost yourself 80 games and don't get paid, but you're hurting everyone in here. You're letting down your team-mates.
“And that probably means just as much, if not more, than hurting yourself."
