Manny Ramirez Suspended 50 Games for Drugs
Tested Positive for Substance Banned by MLB Drug Policy
May 7, 2009
This mistake will cost Manny $7 million. Whether or not he used an illegal substance banned by baseball on his accord may not be known for awhile but he will have to pony up his job and part of his salary. The drug is not known to be steroids.
Bud Selig's office did not make an official announcement regarding the specific violation by Ramirez, but in a statement Thursday provided by Major League Baseball, Ramirez attributed the violation to medication he had been prescribed by a doctor.
"Recently I saw a physician for a personal health issue. He gave me a medication, not a steroid, which he thought was OK to give me," Ramirez said in a public statement. "Unfortunately, the medication was banned under our drug policy. Under the policy that mistake is now my responsibility. I have been advised not to say anything more for now.
The physician is located in Florida.
Manny Suspended
"I do want to say one other thing; I've taken and passed about 15 drug tests over the past five seasons. I want to apologize to McCourt, Mrs. McCourt, Mr. Torre, my teammates, the Dodger organization, and to the Dodger fans. LA is a special place to me and I know everybody is disappointed. So am I. I'm sorry about this.
Ramirez consulted with the Players' Association and his personal representatives including super agent Scott Boras, Ramirez waived his right to challenge the suspension. He will lose about one-third of his $25 million salary or around $7 million.
Ramirez Illegal Substance
Ramirez's test result was first reported by the Los Angeles Times on Thursday.
Minor league outfielder Xavier Paul has been promoted, according to The Times. Ramirez would be eligible to return to the Dodgers' lineup for their July 3 game against San Diego. While he is not in his prime anymore, Ramirez was the star of the lineup and was on his way to leading the National League in runs scored.
In his first full season as a Dodger, Ramirez is batting .348 with six home runs and 20 RBIs. Los Angeles has a 21-8 record -- best in the majors -- and a 13-0 record at home that set the modern major league record for home winning streak to start a season.
Ramirez Suspended 50 Games
For the second time in 2009 a baseball star revealed he had been taking substances now banned by Major League Baseball. Alex Rodriguez admitted to taking steroids while playing for the Texas Rangers from 2001 to 2003. But that was before the start of testing with penalties under a program agreed to by players and management. The New York Yankees star will not likely be suspended.
Ramirez needs to take a lesson from A-Rod and come clean- and do it sooner rather than later. That is the only way his legacy can be repaired.
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