A news article in Dominican Today reported on Sunday that the New York Yankees voided a player’s contract after he “failed” a DNA test. On July 2, 2009 the Yanks reached a deal with Damian Arredondo, a switch-hitter who claimed to be 16 years old. Apparently, this kid took a DNA test that showed evidence he lied about his name and age.
This Yankees Blog gives some good information about the story.
This article really intrigues me for a couple of reasons. First, it’s amazing how in-depth these major league clubs are getting with background checks. I can see your typical physicals, drug tests, and intelligence tests, but now they’re introducing DNA? I can’t wait for Commissioner Selig to come forward and introduce the new MLB steroid….I mean DNA Testing Policy.
Second, how do they actually do the testing? You can’t just take Arredondo’s DNA sample and figure out his real name and age. You’d need to compare the DNA to someone he claimed he was related to. You’d need consent from his ‘alleged’ parents to perform paternity testing between Arredondo and his father.
What made the Yanks test this kid in the first place? He must have claimed he was Manny’s younger brother, so they decided so run a siblingship DNA test. BUSTED!
If anyone from the Yankees organization is reading this, Boston Paternity is more than happy to be a full-service DNA testing company for all your Dominican recruits.
