Former Phillies Prospect Jonathan Singleton Suspended 50 Games For Drug Use

Courtesy Millikan High School

A once top-Phillies prospect, Jonathan Singleton was traded to the Houston Astros in one of the more controversial trades in recent times that netted the Phillies Hunter Pence.  A power-hitting first baseman, some reports indicated that Singleton had a shot to open the season with the Houston Astros in 2013.  Now, Singleton will have to wait.

According to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, Singleton has been suspended 50 games by Minor League Baseball after testing positive for recreational drug use.   The drug in question is marijuana.  Singleton disclosed as much in a statement released in Crasnick's piece:

I was informed today that I have tested positive for marijuana,'' Singleton said in the statement. "As a result, I am being suspended for the first 50 games of the 2013 season. I accept the penalty and take full responsibility for my actions. I apologize to my parents, the Houston Astros and (general manager) Jeff Luhnow.

Recreational drug use suspensions are somewhat rare; presumably the risk is too large for people to partake in such use.

Thanks to Jason Hill (@mifflinpolo20) for passing along this report.