Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has been suspended by Major League Baseball after he violated the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy, and the timing of the news has raised a number of valid questions.
Profar has been suspended 80 games after he tested positive for chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), which is a hormone that is on MLB’s list of banned substances. The 32-year-old issued a statement apologizing but claiming he “would never knowingly do anything to cheat.”
“I want to apologize to the entire Braves organization, my teammates, and the fans,” Profar wrote. “It is because of my deep love and respect for this game that I would never knowingly do anything to cheat it. I have been tested my entire career, including eight times last season alone, and have never tested positive. I would never willingly take a banned substance, but I take full responsibility and accept MLB’s decision.”
Profar will be eligible to return after 80 games, but he will not be permitted to take part in the postseason if the Braves make it that far. MLB rules prohibit players who violate the league’s PED policy from participating in the playoffs.
While Profar claimed he was tested numerous times during the 2024 season, the timing of the violation is a terrible look for him. He is coming off a season in which he posted career highs nearly across the board. Profar posted a slash line of .280/.380/.459. He had 24 home runs, 85 RBI, 158 hits and 94 runs, all of which were the best marks of an MLB career that began more than a decade ago.
Profar’s career-best season also happened to come in a contract year. He was named an All-Star for the first time, won a Silver Slugger Award and then signed a three-year, $42M contract with Atlanta.
Profar is pleading ignorance, but the fact that he was busted for PED use just months after finishing up a career season and signing a massive contract has rightfully resulted in a lot of skepticism.
