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Embattled pitcher Jason Grimsley was suspended 50 games by Major League Baseball on Monday, less than a week after federal agents raided his home during an investigation into performance-enhancing drugs.
Grimsley was suspended for violating baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, based on his statements to authorities regarding human growth hormone.
"I think he earned it," Arizona Diamondbacks managing general partner Ken Kendrick said. "I think it sends a message and an appropriate message."
"He violated the agreement. Obviously MLB feels that he did. That's Bud's decision and I think it's the right decision and I applaud him for it," he said.
The Arizona Diamondbacks released the reliever last Wednesday and his agent said he did not expect Grimsley to play again.
If he returns, the penalty would take effect when he's placed on a 40-man roster.
"Nothing's changed," agent Joe Bick said Monday.
Last Tuesday, 13 agents searched his Arizona home following his admission he had used HGH, steroids and amphetamines.
According to court documents, authorities tracked a package containing two "kits" of HGH -- about a season's worth -- that was delivered at Grimsley's house on April 19. He failed a baseball drug test in 2003, documents showed.
Acting on those documents, MLB suspended him for his alleged possession, admitted use and intended use of HGH. Baseball toughened its drug program and penalties this season, but there is no test for HGH.
The 38-year-old Grimsley was 1-2 with a 4.88 ERA in 19 games as a long reliever this season, his first with Arizona.
Grimsley and the Diamondbacks are currently in a dispute over payment of the remainder of his $825,000 salary.
Grimsley asked for his release last week and Arizona granted it; at the time Bick said there had no negotiation about money and added, "Released players get paid."
But the team later said it did not intend to pay him the rest, and filed a notice of termination Monday.
"This guy did no less than steal from us," Kendrick said Saturday night.
Bick responded by saying Grimsley would contest the Diamondbacks' decision, and the players' union was expected to file a grievance.
Source: ESPN.com
Grimsley was suspended for violating baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, based on his statements to authorities regarding human growth hormone.
"I think he earned it," Arizona Diamondbacks managing general partner Ken Kendrick said. "I think it sends a message and an appropriate message."
"He violated the agreement. Obviously MLB feels that he did. That's Bud's decision and I think it's the right decision and I applaud him for it," he said.
The Arizona Diamondbacks released the reliever last Wednesday and his agent said he did not expect Grimsley to play again.
If he returns, the penalty would take effect when he's placed on a 40-man roster.
"Nothing's changed," agent Joe Bick said Monday.
Last Tuesday, 13 agents searched his Arizona home following his admission he had used HGH, steroids and amphetamines.
According to court documents, authorities tracked a package containing two "kits" of HGH -- about a season's worth -- that was delivered at Grimsley's house on April 19. He failed a baseball drug test in 2003, documents showed.
Acting on those documents, MLB suspended him for his alleged possession, admitted use and intended use of HGH. Baseball toughened its drug program and penalties this season, but there is no test for HGH.
The 38-year-old Grimsley was 1-2 with a 4.88 ERA in 19 games as a long reliever this season, his first with Arizona.
Grimsley and the Diamondbacks are currently in a dispute over payment of the remainder of his $825,000 salary.
Grimsley asked for his release last week and Arizona granted it; at the time Bick said there had no negotiation about money and added, "Released players get paid."
But the team later said it did not intend to pay him the rest, and filed a notice of termination Monday.
"This guy did no less than steal from us," Kendrick said Saturday night.
Bick responded by saying Grimsley would contest the Diamondbacks' decision, and the players' union was expected to file a grievance.
Source: ESPN.com