Manny Ramirez has been suspended for 50 games, beginning
immediately, after testing positive for performance-enhancing
drugs
Michael Silverman, McClatchy Newspapers
LOS ANGELES — Manny Ramirez has been suspended for 50 games, beginning immediately, after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. The former Red Sox and current Dodgers slugger is by far the biggest name to be suspended yet under the sport’s drug-testing and punishment system that began in 2003.
The story was first reported by the L.A. Times Web site.
Ramirez waived his right to challenge the ruling, attributing the test results to medication he received from a doctor for a personal issue.
“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 statement issued by the players’ union.
“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. 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 (Dodgers owner and Boston native) Mr. (Frank) McCourt, (Dodgers chief executive officer) Mrs. (Jamie) McCourt, (Dodgers manager) Mr. (Joe) 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 whole situation.”
Just having Ramirez’ name linked to performance-enhancing drugs counts as the second part of a 1-2 punch the sport has received in the past few months. In February, Alex Rodriguez of the Yankees confessed that he used steroids while with the Texas Rangers from 2001 to 2003.
Ramirez had been hitting .348 with six home runs and 20 RBI in his first 27 games for the NL West leading Dodgers, who will be without Ramirez until early July.
