While the University of Miami awaits results from an NCAA investigation into its football and basketball programs, attention has turned to the Hurricanes’ storied baseball program and its possible ties to performance-enhancing drugs.
The New York Times reported Wednesday that Major League Baseball investigators were focusing on Miami’s baseball program, “which they suspect is a nexus” of PED use.
The news can’t be considered a shock following last week’s report that a Miami anti-aging clinic was source for PEDs. The weekly Miami New Times said the clinic’s billing and medical records included the name of UM baseball’s strength and conditioning coach Jimmy Goins.
Thursday night, the school released a statement regarding its drug testing policy, but still would not confirm reports that Goins had been suspended or fired.
"The University of Miami’s comprehensive drug testing policy, enacted in 1995, continues to evolve as the methods and reliability of testing have improved and as more drugs have been introduced into the world of competitive sports.The University’s program is monitored by a University committee, which includes medical professionals, and is overseen by a Medical Review Officer--currently, a former UM Miller School of Medicine physician--who ensures the integrity and confidentiality of the drug testing program. An outside third-party firm administers the tests and provides results to the University.Since 2005, approximately 3,380 student-athletes have been tested more than 10,000 times by the University, in addition to drug tests administered by the NCAA. During that period, no student-athlete has tested positive for anabolic steroids. The University of Miami, like many of our peer institutions, the NCAA and many professional sports leagues, does not currently test for Human Growth Hormones.The University of Miami's drug testing policy is consistent with those at most NCAA Division I programs and provides more stringent penalties--including game suspensions for first-time positive results--than many of our peers.As stated last week, we have initiated an internal review involving an employee and will continue to monitor developments."
New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez and Washington Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez were also connected to the clinic, Biogenesis. Rodriguez was a Miami high school star, and Gonzalez grew up in Hialeah.
Earlier this week, Yahoo! Sports reported the name of Milwaukee Brewers outfielder and former UM star Ryan Braun also was found on papers from the clinic.
Miami boasts one of the country’s most successful baseball programs. The Hurricanes have made the NCAA Tournament a record 40 straight seasons and have won four titles over the last 30 years.
MLB officials reportedly had been focused on the school’s ties to the clinic and steroid distribution since last summer.
Rodriguez, a three-time American League Most Valuable Player, previously admitted he used steroids from 2001-03. The university named its baseball stadium after Rodriguez after he donated $3.9 million to renovate the field. The ball park is located very close to Biogenesis.
Braun this week acknowledged a business relationship with the clinic’s founder, Anthony Bosch, saying he consulted with Bosch to strengthen Braun’s appeal of a 2011 positive test result for performance-enhancing drugs.
Gonzalez has denied using performance-enhancing drugs and has never been suspended for testing positive for the substances.
According to the New York Times, Gonzalez had posted a picture of himself with Goins on Instagram a few months back, writing, "My off-season strength coach Jimmy Goins."
Other players being connected to the clinic include former UM and current San Diego Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal; New York Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli; and former Hurricanes star pitcher Cesar Carrillo.
Grandal was suspended for 50 games by MLB in November for using testosterone.
Charlie McCarthy can be reached at mac1763@bellsouth.net or on Twitter @mccarthy_chas
