I mean … maybe. The universe is vast, and its mysteries inscrutable. Maybe there is a version of reality where San Diego Padres superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. tested positive for a steroid because, initially, a really bad haircut. And maybe we live in that reality. Who am I to say it’s impossible?
… I might say it’s highly, highly, highly unlikely, though:
That is Tatis Sr.’s story, which mostly squares with Tatis Jr.’s story (that he had ringworm and was receiving treatment).
As I said, though, it seems unlikely. Not impossible! But unlikely.
Setting aside the fact that these extremely well-trained, highly-paid athletes don’t just use medicines without finding out how they might be impacted by the banned substances policy, there is also the issue of therapeutic use exemptions. When players have real medical conditions and need treatment, they can get permission. So, unless you’re getting your prescriptions from Dr. Hamburger, who operates out of his friend’s neighbor’s Volkswagen, you can have proof of your medical need. If it’s real.
Also note that Tatis tested positive for Clostebol, which is a synthetic anabolic steroid, and I’m not seeing anything super credible out there about a spray that contains trofobol and also Clostebol, at least not in wide use. I’m not saying it doesn’t exist, but there does seem to be a possible disconnect between what drugs are at issue. All kinda beside the point anyway.
I’m also not saying Tatis Jr. should be judged by the things Tatis Sr. says. We don’t know that the younger Tatis actually agrees with what his dad is saying.
Anyway. Tatis is not going to be back for another 78 games, and then there will be a whole host of questions about what really happened, whether his previous performance was impacted, and what he can be for the remaining 12 years of his mega contract with the Padres. All we know is that he’s been suspended, and some with the Padres sound like they are frustrated by more than just this suspension.
Oh, and yes, it definitely is bad for the sport.