Source: Tribe's Marlon Byrd Tests Positive for PEDs, Again

[image-1]Update: The Indians have now confirmed our report from earlier today. Byrd was issued a 162-game ban and did not appeal.

He tested positive for Ipamorelin and issued this statement through the team:

"Today, I have accepted a 1 year suspension by Major League Baseball. Recently, I was notified that I had tested positive for Ipamorelin, a peptide prohibited by the JDA. In 2012, I tested positive for the medication Tamoxifen, which I was using on the advice of a physician for a medical condition resulting from surgery, and I accepted my suspension without challenge. Since that time, I have paid close attention to the substances that are banned by the Joint Drug Agreement, as I had no intention of taking any banned substances. I relied upon a medical professional for assistance and advice with respect to the supplements that I was taking. However, certain supplements I was taking were not on the NSF Certified for Sport list, and therefore, I assumed certain risks in taking them. When I learned that I had tested positive for Ipamorelin, I retained the services of private counsel and an independent chemist to determine the origin of the Ipamorelin test result because I never knowingly ingested Ipamorelin. After an extensive investigation by my lawyers and an independent chemist, it was concluded that the most likely source of Ipamorelin was a tainted supplement. I alone am responsible for what I put in my body, and therefore, I have decided for forgo my right to an appeal in this matter and accept the suspension. I apologize for any harm this has caused the Cleveland Indians, Indians’ fans, my teammates, and most importantly, my family."

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A source tells Scene Tribe outfielder Marlon Byrd tested positive for PEDs, again. Byrd was previously issued a 50-game suspension back in 2012 after testing positive for a banned substance (which he was pretty open talking about). He was tied to the infamous Victor Conte and had some interesting things to say about the drug he was using.

Byrd was batting .270 with 5 homers and plugging in some much needed assistance in the Tribe's depleted outfield ranks this season.

Byrd's facing a very lengthy punishment as a repeat offender under MLB's drug policy procedures.

A press conference and announcement is supposedly happening at 1 p.m. or thereabouts.