Manny Ramirez Will Be Suspended 50 Games for Positive Drug Test

Los Angeles Times ^ | May 7, 2009 | Bill Shaikin and Dylan Hernandez

[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.

[nutmeg]

There were stories from Boston he had uncashed checks laying all over his condo.

And all over his locker, and in the glove compartments of his cars...

[raccoonradio]

thanks for the advice on the Florida park etc!

[raccoonradio]

btw I meant to the tune of “Swanee” not “Mammy”...

[Misterioso]

Roster replacement—not Manny replacement. Not replaceable. But definitely removable.

[Boston Blackie]

Now I will say it. Manny is more trouble than he is worth.....

Amen!

[La Enchiladita]

Which team do we all hate the most that we can send him to?:):)

It’s one thing he used the steroids, but then lies on top of it. Useless, imo.

[Boston Blackie]

Now you understand why his former teammates asked management to trade him. I must admit that, as a Dodger, he stepped in "it" a lot sooner than I expected.

Manny just being ah ... Manny.

[Gay State Conservative]

Couldn't happen to a nicer fella.In his last days with the Red Sox that punk couldn't even be bothered to trot to first base when he hit the ball and then,within hours of hitting Hollyweird,he was hitting .700.

Bum!

[doug from upland]

MEMORIALIZED IN SONG ON YOUTUBE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rff3ThQVrE