After the leak of the names of players who were tested for steroids by MLB, the MLBPA announced that the controversial list contains results which may be actually ‘false positive’ for steroids. With the names of the players slowly coming out in media, the MLBPA at last gave some information on the supposed confidential steroid testing of all major league players in 2003. They confirmed that at least 8 of the players in the list were not considered positive for steroids. The number may still be more according to the players association. In another report, 13 of those results are still being contested by the players union.

The MLB also made a statement that the list seized by the government exceeds the number of maximum positives for the drug testing in 2003. The results which should be destroyed after the survey and must remain confidential were turned over to the authorities as part of the BALCO investigation in 2004. “There are more names on the government list (104) than the maximum number of positives that were recorded under the 2003 program (96).” Michael Weiner, the union general counsel and the commissioner’s office disputes on the total number of positive players. Weiner said that it is more than the agreed number as previously discussed by the MLB and the union.

Weiner was also quoted in an AP report that some of those players tested positive for steroids may be taking legally available nutritional supplements which could trigger an initial ‘positive’ test under their program. There are reports that one of the over-the-counter supplements being referred to by Weiner is 19-norandrostenedione. Although this supplement is legal at that time, it is believed that most players were using it including Mark McGwire and David Ortiz. The supplement is a precursor of the anabolic steroid nandrolone. In 2005, 19-norandrostenedione was added to Schedule III along with other anabolic steroids under the Controlled Substances Act.

The latest player who is being dragged into this controversy is David Ortiz who previously admitted that he took over the counter supplements and vitamins but categorically denied using steroids. “I definitely was a little bit careless back in those days when I was buying supplements and vitamins over the counter- legal supplements, legal vitamins over the counter- but I never buy steroids or use steroids,” said Ortiz of Boston Red Sox.

He was also believed to be one of the 104 players who failed the steroid test back in 2003. Although he confronted the issue, he is not happy how the media handles the news. He said that he was already judged by the media and the public. “Let me tell you what I know: I know that I’ve been tested 18 times,” he said. “Have you heard anybody talking about that? Nobody talk about that. But the bottom line is all people care about is selling bad news. Bad news is what makes the money, but sometimes you’ve got to sit down and think about things before you make that as a truth,” he added.

Alex Rodriguez, who is one of the players in the list came to the rescue of Ortiz’ remarks to the media. Rodriguez, a good friend of Ortiz, said that he had been there and experienced the same situation like what Ortiz is facing right now. “I’ve lived it. Whatever he did, I hope he feels better about it. I certainly did once I had my press conference.” A-Rod was forced to make a confession because of a Sports Illustrated report that he was included in the list. He admitted using the anabolic steroids “Boli” from 2001 to 2003. He said that facing the media and the public is embarrassing and humiliating but he was able to cope up with the situation.

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