Texas Manager Admits Positive Cocaine Test
Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington admitted testing positive for cocaine last season but will keep his job.
"I had a very weak moment," Washington said at a news conference Wednesday. "I did wrong and I take responsibility for that and I'm sorry."
Washington said he used cocaine only once and called it "stupid behavior." The 57-year-old manager met with his players earlier in the day and told them about testing positive in July.
The news first reported by SI.com.
After taking the drug test in July, Washington took the unusual step of informing MLB officials that it was possible he'd test positive before the test came back.
Washington also said he offered to resign after the positive result. He said he was grateful team president Nolan Ryan and general manager Jon Daniels kept him on.
"I did make a mistake and I regret that I did it," Washington told SI.com by phone from Surprise, Ariz., on Tuesday night. "I am really embarrassed and I am really sorry."
Daniels told SI.com that Washington was still the "right guy to lead the club."
"We asked a lot of questions and worked through Major League Baseball's program, where Ron had appropriate consultation, support and testing. But for all the reasons we hired him in the first place, we felt and continued to feel that he's the right guy to lead the club. He made a significant mistake. He also admitted to it and took steps to ensure that it won't happen again."
Since the failed test, Washington has been subject to increased testing and has passed every one, according to the Web site.
Drug testing for managers started less than two years ago, following recommendations in the Mitchell report on the prevalence of performance-enhancing drug use in baseball.
Washington's contract was extended last year for 2010 before the drug test. His contract expires after this season, which will be his fourth with Texas.
Washington has a career 241-245 record as manager of the Rangers. He tied for fourth in American League Manager of the Year voting in 2009.