Mets' Mejia Receives Lifetime Ban From MLB After Third Failed PED Test

Mets P Jenrry Mejia "failed a doping test for the third time, resulting in a lifetime ban" from MLB, marking the first time league has "handed down the most severe punishment under its antidoping program." Mejia in each case was "caught using anabolic steroids, substances that have long been easy to detect in a urine sample." Mejia’s case highlights how, despite MLB's "longstanding efforts to strengthen its drug program, players continue to see incentives in trying to gain an edge" (N.Y. TIMES, 2/13). MLB said that Mejia "tested positive for boldenone, which athletes have used to increase muscle mass and once was popular for use in horse racing" (ESPN.com, 2/12). The suspension can "last as little as two years" if Mejia "succeeds on an application, as is his collectively bargained right, for reinstatement" (N.Y. POST, 2/13).