Ex-Met Mike Jacobs tests positive for HGH
Mike Jacobs laughs while taking drills on the field during spring training with the Mets. (February 26, 2010) Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. -- Beyond a memorable first week in the big leagues as a member of the Mets six years ago, first baseman Mike Jacobs never made much of an impact in the big leagues.
Back in the minor leagues this season, Jacobs made a name for himself Thursday in a most undesirable fashion: He drew a 50-game suspension for failing a blood test for human growth hormone, giving Major League Baseball public-relations ammunition in its efforts to procure similar testing for major-league players.
Jacobs is believed to be the first professional athlete in the United States to fail the blood test for HGH, said Gary Wadler, the chairman of the Prohibited List Committee at the World Anti-Doping Agency and a clinical associate professor of medicine at the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine.
Jacobs played this season for the Rockies' Triple-A Colorado Springs affiliate. Colorado immediately released Jacobs upon learning of the news.
In a statement, Jacobs said: "A few weeks ago, in an attempt to overcome knee and back problems, I made the terrible decision to take HGH. I immediately stopped a couple of days later after being tested. Taking it was one of the worst decisions I could have ever made, one for which I take full responsibility.
"I apologize to my family, friends, the Colorado Rockies organization, Major League Baseball and to the fans. Now, as required by the minor-league drug program, I will serve a 50-game suspension. After my suspension is completed, I hope to have the opportunity to continue my career in the game that I love so much."
MLB began blood-testing minor-league players, who are not protected by the collective bargaining agreement, during the middle of last season. Major leaguers do not have their blood tested.
The collective bargaining agreement ends later this year, and the players and owners are negotiating a new deal. Rob Manfred, baseball's executive vice president of labor relations and human resources, said at baseball's owners meetings: "We've made a proposal on blood testing for HGH. We'll see how it turns out."
Michael Weiner, the Players Association's executive director, declined to comment. Weiner has expressed concern about the intrusive nature of a blood test and has said the union would be open to a urine test for HGH, in the event one is developed.
The Mets traded Jacobs to the Marlins as part of a package for Carlos Delgado in November 2005, and Jacobs spent 2006 through 2008 with Florida and 2009 with Kansas City. He returned to the Mets last season and served as the club's Opening Day first baseman and cleanup hitter, only to be demoted to Triple-A Buffalo after just seven games and replaced by rookie Ike Davis.
