Hearing about a current Major League player linked to using drugs and or a banned substance in this day and age is no big mystery, but managers? Earlier this week, Texas Rangers skipper Ron Washington admitted to using cocaine after testing positive for the drug during the 2009 regular season. Sports Illustrated reports that Washington's failed drug test came prior to the All-Star break in July. The Rangers skipper who is in his fourth and final year of his contract with the ball club, offered to resign from the position, but the team's front office said no and made it clear that although they don't approve of his mistake, they're sticking behind him.
In an interview with ESPN, Washington revealed his cocaine usage was a one time thing and he stated it was a very bad mistake that he truly regrets. The Rangers organization is no stranger to drugs, as the team went threw a similar situation with Josh Hamilton who had numerous run ins with drugs before coming clean and finding faith. My whole take on this is, if players get a second chance then why shouldn't managers/coaches? Which is why I agree with the Rangers organization for not pulling the plug on Washington's career in the Lone Star State. Since obtaining the managerial job in 2007, the Rangers have improved year after year, finishing 2nd in the division in back-to-back years after a 4th place finish in his first year at the throne.
Many sports writers and analysts have Washington's Rangers competing with the Seattle Mariners in hopes of knocking the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim out of sole control of the AL West. A division the Southern California team has owned since 2007.
(Seen in photo: Manager Ron Washington and outfielder Josh Hamilton)
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