Minor leaguer and former major league player Mike Jacobs was released by the Colorado Rockies today after testing positive for the banned HGH, and being suspended by the league for 50 games. The human growth hormone is used to enhance performance. Jacobs is the first player suspended by Major League Baseball for a positive HGH test.

The Rockies released a statement expressing their disappointment in Jacobs and saying PEDs must be eradicated from the sport.

In a statement, Jacobs said he took human growth hormone to overcome knee and back ailments.

''A few weeks ago, in an attempt to overcome knee and back problems, I made the terrible decision to take HGH,'' Jacobs said in the statement released through his representative. ''I immediately stopped a couple of days later after being tested. Taking it was one of the worst decisions I could have ever made, one for which I take full responsibility.

''I apologize to my family, friends, the Colorado Rockies organization, Major League Baseball and to the fans,'' Jacobs added. ''Now, as required by the minor league drug program, I will serve a 50-game suspension. After my suspension is completed, I hope to have the opportunity to continue my career in the game that I love so much.''

The Rockies are off tonight, and face the LA Dodgers tomorrow night at Coors Field in Denver.

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