Texas manager failed drug test

Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington admitted he made a "huge mistake" when he used cocaine and failed a Major League Baseball drug test last season.

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Associated Press

Texas' Ron Washington tested positive for cocaine in 2009. He said he has passed every test since and has completed a drug treatment program.

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In his first public acknowledgment, Washington apologized Wednesday for his behavior, eight months after he told Rangers president Nolan Ryan , who turned down the manager's offer to resign.

"I made a huge mistake and it almost caused me to lose everything I have worked for all of my life," Washington said at a news conference Wednesday. "I am not here to make excuses. There are none."

Washington said he used cocaine only once and called it "stupid" and "shameful."

Washington said he told the commissioner's office and Rangers officials about using cocaine before he had a routine drug test in July.

"He came forward and said he would resign," Ryan said. "He understood the consequences. We had a lot of discussions and a lot of soul-searching on it."

"He stood up to it. We felt like he was sincere and forthright," he said. "We are very disappointed by this. We are upset we were put in this position."

For management employees who test positive for cocaine and other recreational drugs -- as opposed to steroids and performance-enhancing drugs -- treatment is mandatory and decisions on discipline are made by the team and MLB on a case by case basis.

MARINERS: Pitcher Cliff Lee was suspended for the first five games of the regular season for throwing a pitch over the head of Arizona's Chris Snyder in an exhibition game this week.

Major League Baseball vice president Bob Watson issued the suspension and a fine. If the players' association appeals, the penalty would be delayed until after a hearing and a decision.

ROCKIES: Closer Huston Street will likely miss the season opener after experiencing tightness in his right shoulder.

Street has been hampered by inflammation in his pitching shoulder and has yet to throw in an exhibition game, putting him behind schedule.

NATIONALS: Washington released outfielder Elijah Dukes , a sudden move with 2 1/2 weeks left in spring training. He was expected to be Washington's starting right fielder.

DIAMONDBACKS: Agreed to terms with pitcher Kris Benson on a minor league contract. The right-hander and former Clemson standout has compiled a 69-74 career record with a 4.41 ERA.