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 designated hitter who played 20 MLB seasons (1997-2016), mainly for the Boston Red Sox. After playing six seasons with the Minnesota Twins, he became a cornerstone of the Red Sox, helping end their 86-year World Series drought in 2004 and winning further championships in 2007 and 2013, earning the World Series MVP award in 2013. During his first five seasons with the Red Sox, Ortiz averaged 41 home runs and 128 RBIs, twice leading the AL in RBIs and setting a team record of 54 home runs in 2006. He consistently ranked among the top five in AL MVP voting during those five years.

Sections (6)

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

2003: Major League Baseball Survey Testing

In 2003, David Ortiz allegedly tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs during Major League Baseball survey testing. The survey testing was agreed to by Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association to determine the extent of performance-enhancing drug use among players before permanent testing was officially implemented starting in 2004.

2003: MLB Commissioner Comments on Drug Test

In 2003, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred stated that it was "entirely possible" David Ortiz did not test positive during the MLB survey drug testing in 2003 and that the alleged failed test should not harm his legacy. He emphasized that there were "legitimate scientific questions about whether or not those were truly positives".

2003: MLB and MLBPA Statement

In 2003, Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association stated that any player appearing on the list compiled by federal investigators in 2003 did not necessarily test positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Among those factors were that the total number of players said to be on the list far exceeded the number of collected specimens that tested positive.

2004: All-Star Selection, Suspension, and Silver Slugger

In 2004, David Ortiz continued his strong performance, hitting his 100th career home run on May 28th and signing a two-year contract extension with the Red Sox for $12.5 million. He earned his first All-Star selection, hitting a home run in the All-Star Game. In July, he was suspended for three games following an incident in a game against the Angels. He concluded the 2004 season with impressive stats, including 41 home runs and 139 RBI, earning him his first Silver Slugger award.

2004: MLB Implemented Testing

In 2004, Major League Baseball officially implemented permanent testing for performance-enhancing drugs. The survey testing was agreed to by Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association to determine the extent of performance-enhancing drug use among players before permanent testing was officially implemented starting in 2004.

2004: MLB Commissioner Comments on Drug Test

Since MLB began testing in 2004, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred stated that Ortiz had never tested positive.

July 30, 2009: Report of Positive Drug Test

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

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, suggesting that a positive test might have been due to his use of supplements and vitamins. He was accompanied by Michael Weiner, the general counsel of the Major League Baseball Players Association.

April 2010: Jay-Z Sues Ortiz

In April 2010, rapper 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, Suspension, and Clemente Award

In 2011, David Ortiz surpassed Edgar Martínez for the most RBI by a designated hitter and became the fifth player to hit 300 home runs as a Red Sox. He was suspended for four games following a brawl with Kevin Gregg of the Orioles. He won the Roberto Clemente Award in 2011.

October 2, 2016: MLB Commissioner Comments on Drug 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 and that the alleged failed test should not harm his legacy. He emphasized that there were "legitimate scientific questions about whether or not those were truly positives" and that Ortiz had never tested positive since MLB began testing in 2004.

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, ordering him to refrain from "annoying, intimidating or threatening his former partner in person or by phone."

November 2022: FTX Files for Bankruptcy

In November 2022, FTX, for which David Ortiz was a paid spokesperson, filed for bankruptcy, resulting in billions of dollars in customer funds being wiped out. Ortiz, alongside other spokespeople, is currently being sued for promoting unregistered securities through a class-action lawsuit.