Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to David Ortiz

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving David Ortiz.

David Ortiz, nicknamed "Big Papi", is a Dominican-American former professional baseball designated hitter. He played 20 seasons in MLB (1997-2016), mostly for the Boston Red Sox. After playing with the Minnesota Twins for six seasons, he joined the Red Sox and played a key role in ending their 86-year World Series drought in 2004, and won championships in 2007 and 2013, being named World Series MVP in 2013. In his first five seasons with the Red Sox, he averaged 41 home runs and 128 RBIs, leading the AL twice in RBIs and setting the team's single-season record of 54 home runs in 2006. He consistently ranked in the top five for the AL MVP award during those years.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2003: MLB survey testing

In 2003, Major League Baseball conducted survey testing to determine the extent of performance-enhancing drug use among players.

2003: MLB and MLBPA issues statement on 2003 MLB Survey

In 2003, both Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association issued statements indicating that any player appearing on the list compiled by federal investigators did not necessarily test positive for performance-enhancing drugs due to several factors.

2003: MLB Commissioner addresses Ortiz's alleged positive test

On October 2, 2016, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred stated that it was "entirely possible" David Ortiz did not test positive during the MLB survey drug testing in 2003. He added that the alleged failed test should not harm Ortiz's legacy.

2004: MLB officially implements drug testing

In 2004, Major League Baseball officially implemented permanent testing for performance-enhancing drugs.

2004: MLB Commissioner addresses Ortiz's alleged positive test

July 30, 2009: Report of Ortiz's positive test

On July 30, 2009, The New York Times reported that David Ortiz was among major league players who allegedly tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs during the 2003 Major League Baseball survey testing.

August 8, 2009: Ortiz denies steroid use

On August 8, 2009, David Ortiz held a press conference at Yankee Stadium and denied ever buying or using steroids. He suggested the positive test might have been due to his use of supplements and vitamins at the time.

April 2010: Jay-Z sues Ortiz for trademark infringement

In April 2010, rapper and producer Jay-Z and his business partner Juan Perez sued David Ortiz for trademark infringement, alleging that the name of Ortiz's nightclub was stolen from Jay-Z's chain of sports clubs in New York.

2011: Milestones, Brawl, and Clemente Award

In 2011, David Ortiz continued to produce, batting .309 with 29 home runs and 96 RBI. On April 2, 2011, he set the record for RBI by a designated hitter with 1,004. On May 21, 2011, Ortiz became the fifth player to hit 300 home runs as a member of the Red Sox. On July 15, 2011, Ortiz was suspended for four games for his part in a brawl against the Baltimore Orioles. At the end of the year, Ortiz was named the winner of the Roberto Clemente Award.

October 2, 2016: MLB Commissioner addresses Ortiz's alleged positive test

May 21, 2020: Restraining order issued against Ortiz

On May 21, 2020, a restraining order was issued against David Ortiz by Fary Almanzar Fernandez, the mother of Ortiz's oldest son, ordering him to refrain from "annoying, intimidating or threatening his former partner in person or by phone."

November 2022: FTX files for bankruptcy, Ortiz sued

In November 2022, FTX filed for bankruptcy, wiping out billions of dollars. David Ortiz, along with other spokespeople, is currently being sued for promoting unregistered securities through a class-action lawsuit.