Advertisement

Watch: Miami Marlins' Dee Gordon apologizes for failed drug test

By The Sports Xchange

Miami Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon apologized Thursday before rejoining the team after serving an 80-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

The defending National League batting champion was suspended on April 28 for use of Clostebol and Testosterone. He was reinstated from the restricted list on Thursday afternoon.

Advertisement

The 5-foot-11 Gordon addressed the situation through a video.

"You've got to hold yourself accountable for your standards of living and training. I didn't hold myself accountable for any of that," Gordon said in the video. "I thought, being the smallest guy, I would never fail a drug test. I didn't pay attention at all, man, and I didn't meet the standards.

"That's my fault and no one else's. But don't give up on me. I will earn your trust and your support back with my play and my actions in the community."

Gordon, 28, batted .333 and led the majors in hits (205) and stolen bases (58) last season while winning his first Gold Glove. The big season helped him earn a five-year, $50 million contract.

The Marlins designated infielder Don Kelly for assignment to open up a roster spot.

Advertisement

"It is the end of his suspension. He has served it," Marlins president David Samson said of Gordon earlier this week. "He will be welcomed back into the clubhouse."

Gordon specifically apologized to fans and kids, who often look up to players as role models.

"I know you guys look up to me. I know, man. I let you down, and I'm sorry," Gordon said. "I'm committed to this game and I will return the support I received from Miami. ... I'm going to continue to smile, though, and I'm going to continue to have fun playing this great game."

Gordon, a two-time All-Star, was batting .266 in 21 games this season before the suspension. The Marlins have remained in the NL wild-card race despite his absence but Gordon is ineligible to participate in the postgame as part of the suspension.

He said he learned a major lesion while being sidelined.

"I worked my behind off this whole suspension, man," Gordon said. "But the silver lining is, it showed me how much I love, respect and miss the game of baseball and my teammates, and it's motivated me to play as hard as I can."

Advertisement

Latest Headlines