Manny Ramirez banned for 50 games

[GloBug]

well i am posting this so we can see manny being manny. i cant believe this guys. he make s a mockery out of baseball by being a jerk during free agency and look what happens. wel i believe this is a simple story of what goes around come around.



NEW YORK -- Manny Ramirez was suspended for 50 games by Major League Baseball on Thursday, becoming the latest high-profile player ensnared in the sport's drug scandals.


The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Dodgers coach Larry Bowa says he was disappointed to learn about Manny Ramirez's suspension. Bowa says there will likely be a team meeting later Thursday to address the matter.

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The Los Angeles Dodgers star said he did not take steroids and was prescribed medication by a doctor that contained a banned substance. The commissioner's office didn't announce the specific violation by the 36-year-old outfielder, who apologized to the Dodgers and fans for "this whole situation."

However, two sources told ESPN's T.J. Quinn and Mark Fainaru-Wada that the drug used by Ramirez is HCG -- human chorionic gonadotropin. HCG is a women's fertility drug typically used by steroid users to restart their body's natural testosterone production as they come off a steroid cycle. It is similar to Clomid, the drug Bonds, Giambi and others used as clients of BALCO.

"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."




Statement from Manny

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. 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 Mr. McCourt, Mrs. McCourt, Mr. 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.

A source with intimate knowledge of steroids told ESPN that a male athlete usually uses HCG after a cycle of steroids because steroids often shut down the testosterone-making ability of the testicles. HCG restores their capacity to make testosterone. The source said that some males may use HCG in lieu of steroids also. HCG by itself can provide a substantial boost in the body's own testosterone, and this may provide some performance-enhancement benefits.

Ramirez had scheduled an appeal and MLB officials were in Los Angeles to meet with him on Wednesday, a source familiar with the matter told ESPN. Ramirez, however, withdrew the appeal Wednesday and accepted the suspension. Under the union agreement, the drugs major league players test positive for are not released by MLB or the players' union.

One former teammate of Ramirez's said he thought players around the league would be surprised by the news, especially in an era of heightened drug testing.

"I'm very surprised," the former teammate told ESPN.com's Amy K. Nelson, "especially how often [players] get tested and the no-tolerance thing. It's pretty irresponsible.

"A bummer for the game."

The players' association said Ramirez was suspended by the commissioner under the "just cause" provision of section 8.G.2 of the joint drug agreement. That allows players to be penalized for use, sale or distribution of banned substances, even where the agreement doesn't specify a particular penalty, such as for a positive test.

"The commissioner's office is precluded from making any comment by the Collective Bargaining Agreement," MLB spokesman Rich Levin said.

The suspension began Thursday and barring any postponements Ramirez will be able to return to the Dodgers -- who now have the best record in baseball -- for the July 3 game at San Diego. Ramirez will lose almost $8 million of his $25 million salary.

Dodgers coach Larry Bowa said he turned on his television Thursday morning and did a double-take when he saw the news about Ramirez's suspension.

"There was a pit in your stomach, because obviously with the way we're playing [so well] right now," Bowa said in an ESPN Radio interview with Colin Cowherd. "... On the other hand, it's time for some of our young kids to grow up now. We don't have Manny for 50 games, so they're going to have to go out there and play. ... It's going to be a challenge for them."

While Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Alex Rodriguez, Jose Canseco and a long list of stars have been implicated in the use of performance-enhancing drugs, Ramirez is the most prominent suspended under the drug policy players and owners put in place seven years ago.

Last fall, Canseco pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor offense of trying to bring HCG across the border from Mexico and was sentenced to 12 months' unsupervised probation. A self-admitted and longtime steroids user, Canseco said he sought the drug to try and restore his testosterone level.

In February, Rodriguez admitted taking steroids while playing for Texas from 2001 to '03. But testing with penalties didn't begin until 2004, and the New York Yankees third baseman doesn't appear likely to be suspended.


Dodgers without Manny
According to Accuscore.com, the Dodgers' chances of making the playoffs without Manny Ramirez for 50 games drop from 71 percent to 66 percent, their chances to win the NL West drop from 65 percent to 61 percent, and they'll win three fewer games.

Next 50 Wins Losses Pct.
With 29 21 .580
Without 26 24 .520
ESPN.com fantasy impact: Helps Pierre, hurts Hudson. Story

In his statement, Ramirez addressed Dodgers owners Frank and Jamie McCourt, and manager Joe Torre.

"I want to apologize to Mr. McCourt, Mrs. McCourt, Mr. Torre, my teammates, the Dodger organization, and to the Dodger fans," Ramirez said. "LA is a special place to me, and I know everybody is disappointed. So am I. I'm sorry about this whole situation."

His suspension was first reported by the Los Angeles Times on its Web site. Triple-A outfielder Xavier Paul has been told by the Dodgers that he will be promoted later on Thursday, according to the Times.

Ramirez became the third player suspended this year under the major league program, following Philadelphia reliever J.C. Romero and Yankees pitcher Sergio Mitre.

Just two relatively low-profile players were suspended under the major league program last year, San Francisco catcher Elizier Alfonzo and Colorado catcher Humberto Coto.

In the past, the best-known player penalized was Baltimore's Rafael Palmeiro, who received a 10-day suspension in 2005, the first year of penalties for first infractions.

Ramirez was acquired by Los Angeles from Boston last July 31 and became a fan favorite. His contract negotiations became a long-running drama during the offseason, and he agreed in early March -- well after the start of spring training -- to a $45 million, two-year contract that gives him the right to void the second season and become a free agent again.

Los Angeles even renamed a section of seats in left field at Dodger Stadium "Mannywood" in his honor.

Ramirez is batting .348 with six home runs and 20 RBIs through the first 27 games of the season. Los Angeles has bolted to a 21-8 record and a 13-0 mark at home that has set the modern major league record for home winning streak to start a season. The Dodgers lead the NL West by 6½ games.

Strength coaches around the major leagues have long preached to players that any substance they consider taking -- whether it's an over-the-counter supplement, or medication from a doctor -- should be done in consultation with the union prior to ingesting it. Players also have access to a hotline, which was established in the wake of the Mitchell report, to ask questions.

"I think most guys will trust a physician, right or wrong," one major league strength coach told ESPN.com. "I always emphasize to our players, minor league Latin players especially, don't take anything unless a team doctor gives it to you. A team doctor."

In St. Louis, a clubhouse attendant stuck his head into manager Tony La Russa's office and said "Manny Ramirez, 50 games, steroids."

La Russa's reaction: "You're kidding me."

T.J. Quinn and Mark Fainaru-Wada are investigative reporters for ESPN. Amy K. Nelson covers Major League Baseball for ESPN.com. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

[thenutzaa1]

when i was a kid growing up i loved baseball and i enjoy playing the game.

i became captain of my high school baseball team my senior and we lost in the finals....

now after all of these steroid story i barely watch pro baseball. it is a shame and i cant believe that these guys make millions!!!!

who is going to be next!!!!!!

[eejit101]

Seems like a mistake..... isnt it?

[GloBug]

well maybe but hes responsible for what he puts in his body. he should have checked. not all doctors know what is banned and what isnt. poor manny what a joke. but i still love baseball.

[Dallas12]

Good I never did like him anyway

[kingsnthahole]

when manny ramirez learns how to field a ball, i will then care about any press/media hype or controversy he's involved in...nuff said
HE BLOWS

[freeringo]

Of course I am blaming my 0-12 beating last week on Manny Ramirez.
He has been dropped from my team.
I will get him back in 49 days. NOT

[woohoosue]

Of course I am blaming my 0-12 beating last week on Manny Ramirez.
He has been dropped from my team.
I will get him back in 49 days. NOT

as good an excuse as any i guess......we have a pretty even board now...gl all

[GloBug]

Of course I am blaming my 0-12 beating last week on Manny Ramirez.
He has been dropped from my team.
I will get him back in 49 days. NOT

well i am sorry to tell ya but u had more problems than manny ramirez. ur whole team was lacking that y u got shellacked by my team. u know i do remember u saying in week one that u were gonna hand me my ***. well can u hand it to me please. lol well better luck next time .

[vickid]

hahah gotta love the hostility from sports fans and there silly rivalrys

well i think base ball is a waste of time

or just a reason to get drunk and watse time if u have nothing better to do during the summer lolol

well i think baseball is all hype the make outragious amounts of money compaired to other sports as per say hockey or foot ball and why becase its americas pastime hahah sorry america well i was in base ball till juniour year and left i played for the hamilton cougars wel this is my take on the whole base ball issue

they all take all kinds of steriods hgh hch and other nonsence just to what shrink ur balls and encrease muscle mass

well im just starting to ramble so thats aall for me

sorry if i offeneded any one

[GloBug]

hahah gotta love the hostility from sports fans and there silly rivalrys

well i think base ball is a waste of time

or just a reason to get drunk and watse time if u have nothing better to do during the summer lolol

well i think baseball is all hype the make outragious amounts of money compaired to other sports as per say hockey or foot ball and why becase its americas pastime hahah sorry america well i was in base ball till juniour year and left i played for the hamilton cougars wel this is my take on the whole base ball issue

they all take all kinds of steriods hgh hch and other nonsence just to what shrink ur balls and encrease muscle mass

well im just starting to ramble so thats aall for me

sorry if i offeneded any one

well this fantasy baseball so steriods or no steroids its still fun . no offense take.

[vickid]

well this fantasy baseball so steriods or no steroids its still fun . no offense take.

hahah ok


well i think base ball was ok for a while then the whole miguire sosa scandle and thats pretty much were base ball kinda whent down hill from there it has been riddiled with controversy sex and drug scandles ever since but that is also the american way gossip gossip scanndel scanndle

lol i dunno i have notice buy canadian news and us news it is soo much more depressing than up here and its not so riddle with fear this recall on that lol i geuss im saying glo bug take this chance to get out of the ressesion and come to canada haha

[GloBug]

u know canada is not bad place to live but your taxes are rediculous. base ball isnt a bad sport it was just tainted. for all those who say they dont watch it anymore or dont care were never fans to begin with. baseball is still a great sport. the media made it what it is today. oh wait no jose canseco trying to make a buck made it what it is today.

[vickid]

u know canada is not bad place to live but your taxes are rediculous. base ball isnt a bad sport it was just tainted. for all those who say they dont watch it anymore or dont care were never fans to begin with. baseball is still a great sport. the media made it what it is today. oh wait no jose canseco trying to make a buck made it what it is today.

hahaha good ole canseco lolol

well i dunno about that im sure base ball have lost a lot of there fans over the years but not the die hard fans likt red socks or yankee fans haha there almost as bad as toronto maple leafs fans and taxes out here are not rediculas there just fin in ontairo there high way robery but in bc and alberta there very reasonable like 7 % of ur pay cheque in alberta and 12 % of in bc but u go to ontairo its like 16% fricken stupid if u ask me and when u file ur taxes u have to file canada taxes and ontairo taxes if u live in ont or if u have worked in ontairo over the calander year

[GloBug]

hahaha good ole canseco lolol

well i dunno about that im sure base ball have lost a lot of there fans over the years but not the die hard fans likt red socks or yankee fans haha there almost as bad as toronto maple leafs fans and taxes out here are not rediculas there just fin in ontairo there high way robery but in bc and alberta there very reasonable like 7 % of ur pay cheque in alberta and 12 % of in bc but u go to ontairo its like 16% fricken stupid if u ask me and when u file ur taxes u have to file canada taxes and ontairo taxes if u live in ont or if u have worked in ontairo over the calander year

really i thought it was more because nba players dont like playing in canada due to taxes. maybe its just because they make millions. if i moved to canada it would have to be in bc. they got good buds and great weather. whistler is cool too. well maybe when i retire untill then im california bound.

[vickid]

really i thought it was more because nba players dont like playing in canada due to taxes. maybe its just because they make millions. if i moved to canada it would have to be in bc. they got good buds and great weather. whistler is cool too. well maybe when i retire untill then im california bound.

basketball players well there is a covertion chart thing if u work in usa live in canada or get paid in usd well what about hockey players they all make usd dont they basket and baseball plyers are all little babys lolol hockey and american foot ball and rugby are real sports

[ShiceT]

How surprised could you really be by this? Baseball is my favorite sport and closest to my heart, because I grew up in a baseball family, but it is getting harder and harder trying to defend the game I enjoy so much when all these high priced primadonnas keep making these kind of headlines.