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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Ramirez Flunks Drug Test, Draws 50-Game Ban

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(Newser) – Manny Ramirez has tested positive for a banned substance and will be suspended for 50 games beginning immediately, the Los Angeles Times reports. Reports have identified the substance as HCG, a drug commonly used to treat female infertility but also taken to raise testosterone levels at the end of steroid treatments. The substance is intended to boost sex drive and "is not a steroid and it is not human-growth hormone," a source told Yahoo Sports. The suspension runs through July 3 and will cost Ramirez nearly $8 million.

"Recently I saw a physician for a personal health issue. He gave me a medication, not a steroid, which he thought was okay to give me," Ramirez said in a statement. "Unfortunately, the medication was banned under our drug policy." He added, "I've taken and passed about 15 drug tests over the past 5 seasons"—in other words, since Major League Baseball instituted its testing program. Ramirez is by far the biggest star busted under the program.

Los Angeles Dodgers star Manny Ramirez makes faces in the dugout against the Arizona Diamondbacks, April 11, 2009, in Phoenix.
Los Angeles Dodgers star Manny Ramirez makes faces in the dugout against the Arizona Diamondbacks, April 11, 2009, in Phoenix.   (AP Photo)
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez smiles during batting practice before playing against the San Francisco Giants, April 27, 2009.
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez smiles during batting practice before playing against the San Francisco Giants, April 27, 2009.   (AP Photo)
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez laughs during batting practice before Game 2 of the National League championship series, Oct. 10, 2008, in Philadelphia.
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez laughs during batting practice before Game 2 of the National League championship series, Oct. 10, 2008, in Philadelphia.   (AP Photo)
Los Angeles Dodgers Manny Ramirez sits in the dugout between innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks during a baseball game on Friday, Aug 29, 2008, in Phoenix.
Los Angeles Dodgers Manny Ramirez sits in the dugout between innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks during a baseball game on Friday, Aug 29, 2008, in Phoenix.   (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Manny Ramirez smiles as he takes batting practice March 5, 2009, in Phoenix. Ramirez signed a 2-year, $45 million contract to stay with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Manny Ramirez smiles as he takes batting practice March 5, 2009, in Phoenix. Ramirez signed a 2-year, $45 million contract to stay with the Los Angeles Dodgers.   (AP Photo)
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10 comments
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Robert_Dada
May 7, 09 11:59 AM CDT
Wonderful role models for youth. Reply
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Newser001
May 8, 09 12:24 PM CDT
Those who use performance enhancing drugs in sports should be treated just like Pete Rose (gambling); Banned for life. Cheating is cheating - Period. He's NOT worth $25 Million. He's a sham and so is MLB for only fining him 50 games...
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+1
SPH
May 7, 09 1:43 PM CDT
Another one bites the dust.....He was a great ball player and now, I guess, we know why..... Reply
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paul123
May 7, 09 2:24 PM CDT
If a doctor did in fact need to put him on something medically, which i doubt, i would think that he would want to announce it right away, so as to avoid any misunderstanding.. Reply
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myvoice
May 7, 09 2:34 PM CDT
The MLB's whole approach to the steroid issue has been shady to say the least. Bonds, arod, manny etc etc it just seems that the MLB is more concern about money that what is right! Manny is being punished, why not the other 100 plus on the list? Release the list!!! Reply
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+3

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Through the players union, Ramirez takes responsibility (PDF)
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