Rangers' Ron Washington Tested Positive For Cocaine

According to SI's Jon Heyman, Rangers manager Ron Washington failed a drug test last July:

Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington tested positive for cocaine during the 2009 season, SI.com has learned.

Washington, 57, has been subject to increased drug testing since his failed test, which was administered by Major League Baseball last July, and he has passed all of his subsequent tests. In deciding to support Washington and retain him as manager, the Rangers accepted his apology as heartfelt and also his explanation that this was a one-time transgression.

Given the limited amount of time during which cocaine remains in the body, the implication is that Washington used during the season. However, the Rangers decided to keep him on, as he admitted to his use before test results came back, and swore it wouldn't happen again. Washington has passed all subsequent drug tests, which by policy have been administered on a more frequent basis.

Washington has spent the past nine months undergoing outpatient counseling and was recently cleared to have his tests returned to normal frequency. In the interest of making a point, though, Washington plans to resume frequent testing on a voluntary basis.

Says Heyman:

No other major league manager or coach is known to have tested positive for cocaine or any other recreational drug, but that doesn't mean that no positive results have ever occurred, because first-time offenders aren't made public.

See how Ranger fans are reacting at Lone Star Ball.