A relatively big bombshell in the world of baseball was dropped on Wednesday by SI writer Jon Heyman. Heyman reported that Rangers manager Ron Washington tested positive for cocaine use during the 2009 baseball season. Washington knew he screwed up and even gave the league and his team a heads up prior to the test, alerting them that the test would likely turn up positive. In that respect, Washington took responsibility for his mistake and likely saved his butt by doing so.
While I’m pleased that Washington met the issue head on, it’s still a major concern that a person in his leadership position, one who manages a former major addict like Josh Hamilton no less, snorted coke during the freaking season. Tony LaRussa falling asleep at the wheel while driving (sleeping?) drunk during spring training is bad enough and nothing short of unacceptable. Doing coke is worse, and doing it during the season is even more alarming.
Let’s damn well hope it was a one-time deal for Washington and that he learned you can’t screw around like that, especially when you’re supposed to be setting a strong example for your players. By the way, between the jheri curl, tinted glasses, and old school mustache, was there any question about Washington’s coke use? The dude probably swigs Crown Royal between innings too. Please leave your Josh Hamilton jokes in the comments. I’m sure there are many.
Sources:
Rangers manager Ron Washington tested positive for cocaine last July [SI]
