Blue Jays: Griffin Conine issues statement regarding suspension

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 29: A glove and balls sit on the infield before a game between the Washington Nationals and Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on June 29, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 29: A glove and balls sit on the infield before a game between the Washington Nationals and Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on June 29, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Blue Jays prospect Griffin Conine wasted no time in issuing a formal statement in regards to his 50-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs.

Griffin Conine took to social media to address the allegations head-on accepting ownership for his careless actions. The 21-year old advised that the positive test dates back to the 2018 season and that he would not be challenging the specific findings of the case.

The prospect tested positive for “Ritalinic Acid” which is said to be a stimulant used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD). This is the same stimulant that minor leaguers Alex Bostic and Kevin Frandsen have previously tested positive for as well.

"Today it was announced that I tested positive for a banned stimulant in a test that was conducted during the 2018 season, and will be serving a 50 game suspension as a result. I have spoken with and apologized to the Toronto Blue Jays organization and my family, and I conveyed my utmost embarrassment for the careless decision that led to my suspension. I fully respect and support the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, and I will not challenge the specific findings in my case. I will accept the consequences and do everything in my power to earn back the respect of the Blue Jays Organization."

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The suspension is an obvious blunder on Conine’s part, however, it was nice to see the youngster not make any excuses for his actions and take ownership for the indiscretion. Conine undoubtedly received advice from his father, former major leaguer Jeff Conine on what the best course of action would be to get ahead of the news.

Conine now shares the dubious PED distinction with another Blue Jays Duke alumni. Pitcher Marcus Stroman tested positive for methylhexaneamine in 2012 and much like Conine met the suspension head on without any excuses.

The Jays selected Conine in the second round, 52nd overall in the 2018 amateur draft. In his first season of professional baseball, Conine hit .243 with seven homers in 57 games to begin his career.

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It is refreshing to see Conine attempt to make the best out of an unfortunate set of circumstances. Hopefully, the youngster can grow from this and not allow the incident to define his career from here on out.