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 MLB designated hitter. He played for 20 seasons (1997-2016), primarily for the Boston Red Sox, after beginning with the Minnesota Twins. Ortiz was instrumental in ending the Red Sox's 86-year World Series drought in 2004, and also won championships in 2007 and 2013, earning the World Series MVP in 2013. In his initial years with the Red Sox, Ortiz averaged 41 home runs and 128 RBIs, leading the AL twice in RBIs and setting a team record with 54 home runs in 2006, consistently placing high in AL MVP voting.

Sections (6)

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

2003: Major League Baseball conducts survey testing

In 2003, Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association agreed to conduct survey testing to determine the extent of performance-enhancing drug use among players before permanent testing was officially implemented starting in 2004. The results of the survey testing were supposed to remain confidential.

2003: Doubts about the PED list

Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association stated in 2003 that appearing on the list compiled by federal investigators didn't necessarily mean a player tested positive for PEDs. There were issues with the number of players, the lab's testing, and the legality of supplements potentially causing positive results.

2003: MLB Commissioner defends Ortiz regarding 2003 PED test

On October 2, 2016, at a press conference at Fenway Park, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred stated it was "entirely possible" that David Ortiz did not test positive during the MLB survey drug testing in 2003. He said the alleged failed test should not harm Ortiz's legacy, noting "legitimate scientific questions" about the results. Manfred added that Ortiz never tested positive since MLB began testing in 2004.

2004: Major League Baseball implements permanent testing

In 2004, Major League Baseball officially implemented permanent testing for performance-enhancing drugs after survey testing was conducted in 2003 to determine the extent of PED use among players.

2004: MLB Commissioner defends Ortiz regarding 2003 PED test

July 30, 2009: Ortiz allegedly tests positive for PEDs

On July 30, 2009, The New York Times reported that David Ortiz was among over 100 major league players allegedly testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs during 2003 Major League Baseball survey testing. The testing was conducted to determine the extent of PED use before official testing began in 2004. Results were meant to be confidential, and no penalties were to be issued.

August 8, 2009: Ortiz denies steroid use at press conference

On August 8, 2009, David Ortiz held a press conference at Yankee Stadium, denying ever buying or using steroids. He suggested his positive test might be due to supplements and vitamins but could not identify which ones. He was accompanied by Michael Weiner, who explained the players union couldn't provide details due to a court-ordered seal.

April 2010: Jay-Z sues Ortiz

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.

March 2011: Ortiz settles lawsuit with Jay-Z

In March 2011, David Ortiz reached a settlement deal with Jay-Z and Perez regarding the trademark infringement lawsuit over the name of his nightclub.

2011: Milestones and Suspension

In 2011, David Ortiz set the record for RBI by a designated hitter, hit his 300th home run as a member of the Red Sox, and was suspended for four games due to a brawl. Ortiz also won the Roberto Clemente Award in 2011.

2013: Orioles present Ortiz with mangled dugout phone

During David Ortiz's final season, the Baltimore Orioles presented Ortiz with the mangled dugout phone he had destroyed with a bat back in 2013.

March 23, 2014: Contract Extension

On March 23, 2014, David Ortiz signed a one-year, $16 million contract extension for the 2015 season, with team options for 2016 and 2017. A game against the Tampa Bay Rays on May 31, Ortiz was hit by a pitch which led to benches clearing and Ortiz shouting at David Price.

September 2016: Ortiz comments on Donald Trump's remarks

In a September 2016 interview, David Ortiz commented that remarks about Mexican immigrants made by then-candidate Donald Trump during his campaign in that year's United States presidential election "didn't sit well with me", calling them a "slap in the face" to Latinos.

October 2, 2016: MLB Commissioner defends Ortiz regarding 2003 PED 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 his oldest son. Ortiz was ordered to refrain from "annoying, intimidating or threatening his former partner in person or by phone." According to Ortiz's former partner, he "intimidated and threatened" her.

November 2022: FTX files for bankruptcy

In November 2022, FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange for which David Ortiz was a paid spokesperson, filed for bankruptcy, resulting in billions of dollars in customer funds being wiped out. Ortiz, along with other spokespeople, is now facing a class-action lawsuit for promoting unregistered securities.