FAQ: Chris Colabello suspension
What is dehydrochlormethyltestosterone and what does it mean for Colabello?
Toronto Blue Jays infielder/outfielder Chris Colabello was suspended 80 games without pay after testing positive for dehydrochlormethyltestosterone.
Here is some information about the drug and the ongoing situation.
What is dehydrochlormethyltestosterone?
Dehydrochlormethyltestosterone, known commercially as Oral Turinabol, is an anabolic steroid. Originally developed in East Germany, the steroid can increase the user's strength and speed. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency's Microgram Journal, dehydrochlormethyltestosterone is no longer legally produced.
Have other athletes been caught using dehydrochlormethyltestosterone?
Two Major League Baseball players were recently suspended 80 games after testing positive for dehydrochlormethyltestosterone:
- Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Daniel Stumpf on April 14
- St. Louis Cardinals catcher Cody Stanley on September 12, 2015
As well, 11 weightlifters were suspended by the International Weightlifting federation on December 24, 2015 after they tested positive for the drug.
What is MLB's drug policy?
Section 3 of MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program deals with how tests are conducted.
Here is what happens if a player tests positive for any of MLB's banned substances:
- First-time offenders receive an 80-game ban
- Second-time offenders receive an 162-game ban (equal to one MLB season)
- Third-time offenders receive a lifetime ban
Notable lengthy suspensions for violations of MLB drug policy include:
- New York Mets pitcher Jenry Meija's lifetime ban in 2016
- New York Yankees infielder Alex Rodriguez's 162-game ban in 2014
- Retired infielder Miguel Tejada's 105-game ban in 2013
- San Francisco Giants pitcher Guillermo Mota's 100-game ban 2012
- Retired outfielder Manny Ramirez's 100-game ban in 2011
The Biogenesis bust of 2013 was one of the most notorious drug cases in MLB history. In addition to Rodriguez, the following players were also suspended:
- Ryan Braun (65 games)
- Nelson Cruz (50 games)
- Jhonny Peralta (50 games)
- Everth Cabrera (50 games)
- Antonio Bastardo (50 games)
- Francisco Cervelli (50 games)
- Faustino de los Santos (50 games)
- Jordan Norberto (50 games)
What does this mean for Colabello?
Colabello can appeal his suspension under section 8 of MLB policy.
According to the Associated Press, Colabello will lose US $227,891 of his $521,126 salary.