Manny Ramirez Suspension: 50 Games (Audio)

Manny Ramirez has been suspended for 50 games by Major League Baseball on Thursday. MLB has not released the details of the violation by the Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder.

Ramirez is expected to lose about 32 percent of his $25 million 2009 salary ($7.7 million). He will not be able to play again until July 3rd.

UPDATE: There is more to this story that meets the eye. One would think that Manny tested positive for steroids / HGH but that may not be the case.

Will Carroll, who runs Baseball Prospectus,is saying that this may be more supplement-related. Here are some of his recent tweets:

Just heard a report on what and why Ramirez tested positive. Working to confirm, but … this is more Romero than A-Rod.

it’s also sounding as if this isn’t someone injecting themselves knowingly for pure PE.

Still trying to confirm, but a source tells me Ramirez did NOT test positive for an anabolic steroid #fb

What I know: not pot, not ADD, not greenies. #manny

Here is the tweet that changes the dynamic of this thing a bit more…

Ok this is big … Manny was suspended under 8.G.2 of the JDA. That’s “other” and at Commish’s discretion.

See the Joint Drug Agreement here and make your own interpretation.

UPDATE 2: Statement from Manny Ramirez

“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. 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.” – Manny Ramirez