Rafael Palmeiro's statement Wednesday on his positive drug test:
Since I was informed last May that I tested positive for
steroids, I have fully cooperated with Major League Baseball and
Congress in their respective inquiries into this matter. I have
done so because I have nothing to hide. I am grateful to Chairman
Tom Davis, Congressman Henry Waxman and their respective staffs for
the fairness and professionalism with which they have conducted
their investigation.
Now that the House Government Reform Committee is finishing its
work, I will address the facts as I have always said I wanted to
do. Everything I have been working for all my life -- to play the
game that I love with dignity and earn the respect and admiration
of my colleagues and fans -- has been changed by my suspension. For
this, I alone take full responsibility.
I have never intentionally taken steroids. But I must also
acknowledge that Stanozolol, a banned substance, was found in my
system in May. Although I do not know how this substance came into
my body, it is possible that a shot of vitamin B12 I took sometime
in April might have been the cause. Under questioning by the Major
League Player's Association -- the player's union -- I had to reveal
the details of how I got the possibly tainted B12 and then had to
testify about the facts of this case under oath. I have never
implicated any player in the intentional use or distribution of
steroids, or any other illegal substance, in any interview or
testimony.
I am not trying to hold others responsible. I was careless in
not seeking a doctor's advice and made a foolish mistake. Nobody is
more frustrated and disappointed in me than I am. Throughout my
adult life, I have worked very hard on and off the field to live my
life in an honorable way.
All my accomplishments are now tainted, and many people have
been hurt. I deeply regret the pain I have caused my family, my
teammates, my fans and the game of baseball. I am sorry for the
distraction that I have caused to the Orioles clubhouse and the
League.
I remain opposed to the use of steroids by athletes. I hope
others find a lesson to be learned in my experience and I will do
my part to teach it.