Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to David Ortiz

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

David Ortiz, known as "Big Papi", is a Dominican-American former MLB designated hitter and first baseman who played for 20 seasons (1997-2016), mainly with the Boston Red Sox. After a modest start with the Minnesota Twins, he became a key player for the Red Sox, helping them break their 86-year World Series drought in 2004 and win further championships in 2007 and 2013. He was 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. He also finished in the top five in AL MVP voting for five consecutive years.

Sections (6)

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

2003: MLB Survey Drug Testing

In 2003, MLB conducted survey drug testing, the results of which later became a point of controversy.

2003: MLB and MLBPA Issue Statements on 2003 List

In 2003, Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association clarified that appearing on a list compiled by federal investigators did not necessarily indicate a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs. They cited factors like discrepancies between the number of players on the list and positive specimens, questions about the lab's interpretation, and the possibility of legal supplements causing positive results.

2004: Start of MLB Drug Testing Program

In 2004, MLB began its official drug testing program, and Commissioner Manfred noted that Ortiz has never tested positive under this program.

2004: Official Drug Testing Implementation

In 2004, Major League Baseball officially implemented permanent testing for performance-enhancing drugs, following survey testing in 2003.

July 30, 2009: Report of Alleged Positive Drug Test

On July 30, 2009, The New York Times reported that Ortiz was among a group of major league players who allegedly tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs during a 2003 Major League Baseball survey testing. The survey testing was agreed to determine the extent of performance-enhancing drug use among players before permanent testing was officially implemented starting in 2004.

August 8, 2009: Ortiz Denies Steroid Use

On August 8, 2009, Ortiz held a press conference at Yankee Stadium to deny ever using steroids. He suggested that a positive test might have resulted from supplements and vitamins he was taking, though he couldn't recall which ones. He was accompanied by the general counsel of the Major League Baseball Players Association, Michael Weiner, who could not provide details due to a court-ordered seal on the seized list of players.

April 2010: Lawsuit from Jay-Z

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

March 2011: Settlement Deal Reached

In March 2011, Ortiz reached a settlement deal with Jay-Z and Perez regarding the trademark infringement lawsuit.

2013: Dugout Phone Incident

In 2013, during a game, Ortiz had an outburst that resulted in him destroying a dugout phone with a bat. Later in his final season, the Baltimore Orioles presented Ortiz with the mangled dugout phone he had destroyed as a gift.

September 2016: Ortiz Comments on Trump's Remarks

In a September 2016 interview, Ortiz expressed his disapproval of remarks made by then-candidate Donald Trump about Mexican immigrants, calling them a "slap in the face" to Latinos.

October 2, 2016: MLB Commissioner Comments on Ortiz's Alleged Failed Test

On October 2, 2016, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said it was "entirely possible" Ortiz did not test positive during the MLB survey drug testing in 2003, stating the alleged failed test should not harm Ortiz's legacy. Manfred added Ortiz had never tested positive since MLB began testing in 2004, and Hall of Fame voters should not consider "leaks, rumors, innuendo and non-confirmed positive test results."

May 21, 2020: Restraining Order Issued Against Ortiz

On May 21, 2020, a restraining order was issued against Ortiz by Fary Almanzar Fernandez, the mother of his firstborn son, ordering him to refrain from harassing or threatening her.

November 2022: FTX Files for Bankruptcy, Ortiz Sued

In November 2022, FTX filed for bankruptcy, leading to a class-action lawsuit against Ortiz and other celebrity spokespeople for promoting unregistered securities.