Posted on 05/07/2009 8:52:53 AM PDT by kellynla
Manny Ramirez has tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs and will be suspended 50 games starting today, The Times has learned.
The test result and suspension is expected to be announced later today. The Dodgers informed triple-A outfielder Xavier Paul this morning that he was being promoted to Los Angeles.
Ramirez is expected to attribute the test results to medication received from a doctor for a personal medical issue, according to a source familiar with matter but not authorized to speak publicly.
With the suspension taking effect with tonight's game at Dodger Stadium, Ramirez will not be eligible to return to the team until July 3.
Ramirez would become the biggest star suspended under an oft-criticized major league testing program that started in 2003. He had been a model citizen since arriving in Los Angeles last August, following a stormy tenure with the Boston Red Sox.
This is the second drug scandal to rock baseball within four months. In a year in which baseball officials hoped their greatest concern would be the slumping economy, the two highest-paid players in the game have been revealed to have failed a drug test.
Alex Rodriguez, the game's highest-paid player, acknowledged during a February news conference that he used steroids from 2001 to 2003. The admission followed a Sports Illustrated report that he failed a drug test in 2003, when players were not subject to suspension.
Ramirez did not appear in the clubhouse after the Dodgers' 10-3 victory over the Washington Nationals Wednesday night. After the game, Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti and Manager Joe Torre said they were unaware of any failed test or pending suspension.
As unconfirmed reports circulated around Dodger Stadium on Wednesday night, Scott Boras, the agent for Ramirez, declined to comment.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
Do you remember a blurb a couple of seasons ago when Otriz mentioned ‘who knows what’ he may have taken while training in the DR?
I’ll say you’ve hit the nail on the head...
WTH ??? Where has he been for the last 5 years? Did he think he’d not get caught?
Who is “clean cut”? Think about it for a minute. Then you may realize your error. Or you can rant on about nothing.
I remember your most excellent PNC Park "after action report" here on FR!
PNC, is a gorgeous park, isn't it? One of the most attractive I've seen. The view of the Roberto Clemente (?) bridge, the Allegheny River and the Pittsburgh skyline is amazing, and I loved being "greeted" by the life-sized Negro League statues as we entered the ballpark. Plus, the concessions were incredibly CHEAP, and the ushers and vendors were all so genuinely nice. Pittsburgh just needs a better team... ;-)
As a huge baseball fan I’m amazed at the technical perfection of Ramirez’s swing...especially at his age. It’s a thing of beauty if you are a student of the baseball swing.
But, frankly, Manny is a loser.
Last year when he literally quit on his team because he was unhappy tells you all you need to know about the guy. He literally phoned it in...then when he was traded....BAM, he hits 360 the rest of the year.
So much talent, so little character.
I feel bad for Dodgers fans, but you have a rising star in Kemp. To the Dodgers management....
Suckers!!
big red sox fan here.....glad we got rid of him when we did....now if we can do something with papi...
“Recently I saw a physician for a personal health issue. He gave me a medication, not a steroid, which he thought was okay to give me. Unfortunately, the medication was banned under our drug policy.”
what part of “F” off don’t you comprehend...
My husband in particular had had enough of Head Case Manny and all the "drama" always surrounding him years ago... we said 'good riddance' to him last summer, and have never looked back.
IIRC..Manny tried to get the big multi-deal contract, but couldn’t...given that he had a great finish with LA last year..one has to think that there was an inkling of this over the winter..that he wasn’t clean..which is why he couldn’t get more than a 2 year deal..
but he can’t even get one out of fenway park these days....has he hit a hr yet this year...??
Well there goes half of my fantasy teams...thanks Manny...you prick.
Why do the Red Sox have so many fans around the world? My excuse is I grew up watching the Sox in Mass. Maybe, they all hopped on the Sox team because they are winning the World Series and the Yankees are not anymore since the new century? ;-)
Ramirez is one of the best hitters in MLB
“frankly” you are DUMB ASS!
Think. Before. Gum. Flapping. Once again, who is clean cut??
Hint: (he’s white and doesn’t have dreadlocks and a scruffy cookie duster on his chin)
ROTFLMAO! And we're supposed to believe Manny actually said that verbatim? It would be more like: "Hey, man, I didn' do no drugs, man... I don't know nuttin' 'bout no steroids, man. I'm clean, man..."
LOL!
dreamer....papi looks like he doesn’t have a clue at the plate...he has no protection and teams have figured out his weak spots...
I almost expect to see a swarm of flies following this guy wherever he goes.
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