(MCT) — Former Chicago Cubs outfielder Marlon Byrd, who was recently released by Boston, has been suspended for 50 games by Major League Baseball for testing positive for Tamoxifen, a performance enhancing drug.

Via the Players Association, Byrd released the following statement:

“I made an inexcusable mistake. Several years ago, I had surgery for a condition that was private and unrelated to baseball. Last winter, I suffered a recurrence of that condition and I was provided with a medication that resulted in my positive test. Although that medication is on the banned list, I absolutely did not use it for performance enhancement reasons. I am mortified by my carelessness and I apologize to everyone who loves this game as I do. I will serve my suspension, continue to work hard and hope that I am given an opportunity to help a club win later this season.”