According to a report published Wednesday on Sports Illustrated’s Web site, Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington tested positive for cocaine last season and received nine months of extensive counseling for violating Major League Baseball’s substance abuse policy.

While all non-player personnel with clubhouse access are randomly tested once a year, Washington, 57, was subjected to increased testing following last July’s positive and passed every subsequent test. Washington, according to the online report, called the commissioner’s office and alerted the Rangers’ front office before the results had come in, warning them that he might have failed the initial test.

“It was the right thing to do. I couldn’t deal with the result to come back positive and be a shock to those who’ve shown faith in me,” Washington told SI.com, insisting that his was a one-time transgression.

He added, “I did make a mistake and I regret that I did it. I am really embarrassed and I am really sorry.”

(article and photo source: New York Daily News)