Dodgers' Ramirez Is Banned for 50 Games

[Empress of Groovy 373]

Dodgers' Ramirez Is Banned for 50 Games

By MICHAEL S. SCHMIDT

Major League Baseball suspended the Los Angeles Dodgers all-star outfielder Manny Ramirez for 50 games on Thursday for violating its performance-enhancing drug program.

Ramirez, whose suspension begins Thursday night, is the highest-profile baseball player to be suspended for using banned substances since players began facing penalties for steroids and other performance-enhancing substances in 2004.

The suspension, however, was not based on a positive drug test. Results from a urine sample provided by Ramirez showed traces of substances that raised concerns among baseball officials but were not enough to suspend him, according to people briefed on the matter. The officials investigated Ramirez further and found evidence that he was using Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (H.C.G.), a fertility drug for women that has been known to be used by athletes to generate the body's production of testosterone after steroid use.

Ramirez, in a written statement, said that a doctor gave him a medication that was not a steroid for a personal health issue and he believed he could use it without violating the drug testing program. He said he did not appeal the suspension. Ramirez's statement was released by the players association.

"Unfortunately, the medication was banned under our drug policy," Ramirez said. "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."

H.C.G. is similar to the drug Clomid, which was regularly used by Balco clients including Jason Giambi, who admitted that to a federal grand jury. Last year, former baseball star Jose Canseco, a longtime steroid user, pled guilty to a misdemeanor after trying to transport H.C.G. over the border from Mexico. He said at the time he used it to try to lift his testosterone level, which was depressed by his steroid use. He was given 12 months probation.

Ramirez joins the ranks of Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire and Alex Rodriguez, who have all been tied to the use of performance-enhancing drugs over the past decade. Unlike Ramirez, those players were not suspended because their alleged use came before 2004, the year M.L.B. began suspending players for a positive test.

Ramirez's suspension may take away some of the focus on Rodriguez, who admitted using a performance-enhancing substance from 2001 to 2003 after it was revealed he tested positive for steroids in a preliminary phase of baseball's drug testing system in 2003. Major League Baseball, however, is investigating whether Rodriguez lied to its investigators about the time period in which he used the drugs.

Ramirez's loss will jolt the Dodgers, who on Wednesday night set a modern major league record with their 13th straight home victory to start the season. Their 21-8 record is the best in baseball.

Ramirez joined the Dodgers through a trade from the Boston Red Sox in August. He propelled the Dodgers to the playoffs last season, hitting .396 with 17 homers after the trade. He signed a two-year, $45 million contract before this season and was hitting .348 with 6 homers and 20 R.B.I. in 27 games.

Ramirez apologized to his Dodgers teammates, owners and Manager Joe Torre. "L.A. is a special place to me and I know everybody is disappointed," he said. "So am I. I'm sorry about this whole situation."

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/08/sports/b...z.html?emc=eta1

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Can his azz. Chopf#ck

[Marilyn. 340]

darn, we are going to a Dodger game in a few weeks... hubby wanted to see him play..

Edited May 7, 2009 by *Marilyn*

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Seriously, these chop's should not only get banned from playing; but face prosecution like the active addicts they are. I find it disturbing that they get special treatment and people actually feel sorry for them; while people on everyday walks of life who struggle with addiction get a slap in the face.

[Empress of Groovy 373]

They're all full of it.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

They're all full of it.

of drugs????? or of #######????????

[fozzie 41]

Its cheating, the punishments should be more harsh than they currently are. Lifetime bans would be a better deterent. It is the athletes responsibility to ensure that nothing enters his body that is illegal. A life time ban would make that sure they take it seriously.

They all blame the doctor or the nutritionist. Its laughable that they get away with this sh!t!!!

[Nagishkaw 510]

They're all full of it.

of drugs????? or of #######????????

Both. 0h, and money too.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Its cheating, the punishments should be more harsh than they currently are. Lifetime bans would be a better deterent. It is the athletes responsibility to ensure that nothing enters his body that is illegal. A life time ban would make that sure they take it seriously.

They all blame the doctor or the nutritionist. Its laughable that they get away with this sh!t!!!

I know... lame lame lame.... but then again; I have never had much regard for professional athletes.

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Manny is a piece of sh it. He is a talented cry baby with the maturity of a 12 year old. I am so glad Boston got rid of his sorry whining A$$. LA deserves what they got.

[Bobby+Umit 161]

Edited May 7, 2009 by Bobby_Umit