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Wow. DamnSurprise, AZ (Sports Network) - Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington reportedly tested positive for cocaine during the 2009 season.
According to a report from SI.com, Washington failed the test last July, but has passed all his tests since. The testing increased after the positive test, the report said.
Washington, 57, told the news outlet he made a mistake and regretted it. The report said Washington notified the commissioner's office and the Rangers about his use of cocaine prior to learning the test results.
Texas general manager Jon Daniels told SI.com that the organization felt not firing and supporting Washington was the right thing to do. He said the organization feels Washington is still the right person to lead the team, which went 87-75 last season, its first winning record since 2004.
The report said under MLB policy, Washington was considered a first-time offender and went through counseling that's mandatory for non-players who fail a test or admit to drug use. MLB policy mandates managers and coaches be subject to random testing once a year. But while the report said Washington was cleared to have his testing scaled back to that level, he voluntarily will continue the increased testing.
Washington was hired as the Rangers' manager in November 2006. In three seasons with him at the helm, Texas has gone 241-245.