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 ...
Who gives a flying heck about what baseball players do to try to win, if they want to take pills and injections that will make their muscles bulge and their privates wither then let them.
No, let’s spend congresses time going over steroids in baseball again and again..... Actually maybe they should, it will slow them down on implementing socialism.
Yea, well Faux News has about as much credibility as a screen door on a submarine. LMAO
Yeah, it will be a very sad day if we lose Ortiz, but he's GOT to start producing. Hubby claims his stance is "off"... he's not 'stepping into his swing' correctly. I don't know.
I just hope the Red Sox are smart enough to sign Jason Bay to a multi-year contract. Some fans may think Bay is "boring" and "business-like", but I really like his consistency and even-keeled demeanor. He sure seems to be a positive force in the club house, too. SO refreshing after all those years of Manny Drama...
“it will be reported later today that the drug was a prescription drug not steroids.”
Yeah, and that’s why Manny isn’t saying what it was and why he got a Doctor in Florida to “prescribe it”. Time to get real.
Another Red Sox fan farting BS! Short term bragging rights is all you’ve got. Maybe in another 100 years Boston will match the Yankees winning record. Until then ...
Has any athlete ever admitted taking a banned drug when they are caught testing positive in a drug test? All of them say it was prescribed by a doctor, or it was accidental, or somebody gave to them, or some other lame excuse.
“Has any athlete ever admitted taking a banned drug when they are caught testing positive in a drug test? All of them say it was prescribed by a doctor, or it was accidental, or somebody gave to them, or some other lame excuse.”
Giambi, Petitte. A couple of Yankee cheats come to mind.
Cool! What a great site... thanks so much for that link! I'll be sure to show it to my husband as well.
I had gotten a very good seat behind home plate for $27 on a walk-up.
Incredible, huh?
If you're ever in Florida for spring training (I highly recommend it!), the Pirates have a beautiful, historic park in Bradenton, built in 1923:
When did the Yankees last win something? When they crawl out of the AL East basement let me know. Red Sox 5-0 against the Yankees this year. If you follow baseball.
Big Papi did have a 9 game hitting streak then into a mini slump of about 3 for 17. But the last two games he went 2 for 3 with 2 double and 1 for 3 yesterday. Ortiz is about to bust out of it.
Yeah but I think they were shamed into it. They really had no choice.
True, true.
Thread just got sent to the backroom due to personal stuff. Please tone it down. Thanks
MLB already has such a policy. Manny apparently chose not to clear this use with MLB.
Just Manny being Manny.
Hey maybe now my Diamondbacks can catch up!
Yeah, what is up with the Dbacks lack of hitting.
Sherzer should keep getting better but they need some hitting to pick up from Young, Byrnes etc.
Dodgers still have a nice lineup, but this will hurt once the suspension kicks in.
Agreed - he looks nasty!
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