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 ...
Now we know the real reason the Red Sox were so keen in dealing him.
make him cut his nasty hair and get a uniform that fits.
Please post link:http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-manny-ramirez8-2009may08,0,7402416,print.story
Thanks
He looks like a pot smoker to me.
Ouch!
No, make that 50 Ouches!
It’s not a fact until MLB makes an announcement.
Ruh Roh.
Hey Joe Torre....lets see you keep up that national league recort now.
recorD
The Dodgers have talent beyond Manny....
So what???
My son is a big Dodger fan and he is very bummed.
poo on those trolly Dodgers
It’ll be interesting to find out what it is. JC Romero (Phillies) was suspended for taking a supplement he bought at a GNC store. But this was prescribed, so who knows.
I guess that’s just Manny being Manny.
But, the Yankees still suck though
The MLB should reduce the players that test positive to rookie pay. That would be a good incentive to stay clean!!
Well I’ll be a monkey’s uncle.
Somebody is actually receiving a substantive punishment for “juicing.”
If this is for real, and the rules are actually going to be enforced from here on in, it’s going to be a paradigm-changer.
Look for physiques and home-run stats to deflate across the board.
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