Sometime around 3½ months after the fact, it was revealed Thursday that Geovany Soto tested positive for marijuana while playing for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.
Of course, it was a one-time thing, nothing he had ever tried before.
“While I full acknowledge my inappropriate behavior, I want to assure my fans and my family that this was an isolated incident,” he said in a statement.
The Cubs have no punishment planned for the catcher.
“Geovany assured the organization this was an isolated incident and a misstep in judgment that will not be repeated,” the statement said. “Though surprised and disappointed, the club supports Geovany as he takes responsibility for his actions and accepts the consequences.”
Umm, yeah. He admitted his actions because he was outed 15 weeks later. And as far as consequences, well, there’s the two-year ban in international play, which would only be a problem if he intended to try out for the Puerto Rican speed skating team this winter. He’ll be eligible to play next time the WBC comes around.
Soto will not be punished by MLB as a result of the positive test. Major leaguers are not tested for drugs of abuse except when there is reasonable cause. The league would now seem to have reason to test him regularly if it so chooses. Major leaguers who test positive for marijuana and other drugs of abuse are not immediately suspended and do not have their names released, but are instead put into a treatment program. The failure to comply with the terms of the treatment program can lead to a suspension.
