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Digital News Report – Major League Baseball (MLB) said Manny Ramirez notified them that he has retired. Rather than face suspension and enroll in the leagues drug program, he decided to retire. Read the complete Tampa Bay Rays statement below.
The league said that Ramirez tested positive under their Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The specific drug was not identified but reports indicate that he tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug during spring training.
Ramirez said he is going to retire as an active player. He can still seek reinstatement in the future after completing their drug program.
In 2009 Ramirez was suspended for 50 games after violating Major League Baseball’s Performance Enhancing Drug policy. That drug was identified as a women’s fertility drug called chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). In 2009 he was among 104 major players who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
By Mark Williams
Photo: Manny Ramirez by Googie man
Tampa Bay Rays Statement
The Tampa Bay Rays were informed today by the Commissioner’s Office that Manny Ramirez has decided to retire after being informed of an issue under the Drug Program. We are obviously surprised and disappointed by this news. We will have no further comment on this matter, and our fans and organization will carry on.