Los Angeles Dodger’s Star Manny Ramirez Suspended 50 Games (Photos)

Posted on May 7, 2009

Manny Ramirez has been suspended for 50 games by the MLB on Thursday. Ramirez denies taking steroids. Read more on Manny Ramirez’s suspension below.

Ramirez says he only took medication prescribed to him by his physician, that contained a banned substance. The commissioner’s office didn’t state the violation by Ramirez, 36, who apologized to Dodgers fans for “this whole situation.”

“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 his statement.

“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.”

Manny’s suspension began Thursday and Ramriez should be able to return to the Dodgers for the July 3 game. Ramirez stands to lose around $7.65 million of his $25 million salary for the suspension.

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.

In his statement, Ramirez apologized to the 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.”

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