Jurickson Profar faces 80-game ban for violating MLB drug policy

In the United States, Major League Baseball announced on April 1, 2025, that Jurickson Profar, an outfielder for the Atlanta Braves, has been suspended for 80 games without pay due to a violation of the league's policy against performance-enhancing drugs. The suspension is effective immediately and makes him ineligible for postseason play. This decision came after Profar tested positive for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), a substance considered a performance enhancer under MLB guidelines. Profar expressed deep regret over the situation, stating that it was the most difficult day of his career and that he never knowingly cheated. This incident marks a significant blow not only to Profar, who previously achieved All-Star status and set personal records in key offensive statistics while playing for the San Diego Padres, but also to the Braves, a team that has struggled with injuries over the past few years. Braves manager Brian Snitker acknowledged the impact of the suspension on the team dynamics but also noted it could provide an opportunity for other players to step up in Profar's absence. The Braves organization expressed their disappointment and emphasized their support for the league's drug prevention and treatment program. In addition to Profar’s suspension, this year has seen multiple players disciplined for performance-enhancing drug violations, with Profar being the fourth player suspended in this current season alone. The Braves history with PED penalties continues, with Andrew McKirahan being another player who faced a similar suspension in 2015 for a different substance. Given the timing of Profar's suspension so close to the start of the season, the implications for the Braves’ roster and their ability to compete this year remain uncertain as they try to cope with the ongoing challenges in their lineup. As Profar prepares for an extended time away from the field, the focus now shifts to how the Braves will adapt to his absence and who might fill the void left by a player who significantly contributed to their lineup. Moving forward, the league continues its efforts to uphold a clean game by enforcing strict penalties for violations of its drug policies. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in sports regarding performance-enhancing drugs and the importance of athlete integrity.