Mike Cameron, Gold Glove-winning center fielder for the Padres, was suspended today for 25 games starting next season, the AP reports. Cameron tested positive twice for a stimulant banned by MLB, although he denies actual abuse, chalking the test results up to a tainted nutritional supplement. Cameron plans to file for free agency from the Padres.
"The one thing I wanted to make sure was explained is, no steroids," Cameron told a San Diego radio station. Padres CEO Sandy Alderson credited Cameron with a good two years with the team but was careful to note: "The Padres staunchly support that policy and hope that Mike's suspension serves as a reminder that performance-enhancing drugs have no place in professional sports." (More Mike Cameron stories.)