NEW YORK -- The following statement was issued today by Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director, Donald M. Fehr, regarding the suspension of Rafael Palmeiro for violating Major League Baseball's Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

"Throughout his long career, Rafael Palmeiro has been a credit to baseball on the field and off, as he has been recognized for his many and varied community and charitable activities. Consequently, all of us who are part of baseball were saddened by today's announcement that he has been suspended by the Commissioner. No one who knows Rafael will question the serious impact this suspension has had and will continue to have on him.

“However, today’s announcement should serve to dispel doubts about our determination to rid baseball of illegal steroids, or the strength or effectiveness of our testing program. All players are treated equally, even potential members of the Hall of Fame, without respect to their tenure or status in the game. The steroid testing program in baseball is working and will prove to be effective if given the chance.”