Los Angeles Dodger left fielder Manny Ramirez has been suspended for 50 games after testing positive for a performance enhancing drug. According to several reports, the drug is human chorionic gonadotropin hCG, commonly used by women as a fertility drug. The substance will also trigger testosterone production, typically used by steroid users to restart their testosterone after coming off of a steroid cycle.
It was during spring training that Ramirez had his first positive drug test. Another test was recently administered. MLB officials notified Ramirez after Wednesday night’s Dodger victory over the Washington Nationals.
Ramirez admitted to taking the substance, which he got through a prescription from a doctor in Miami for what is being reported as an erectile dysfunction condition. He has declined the option to appeal. His 50 game suspension begins today and will end on July 3.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Ramirez will forfeit $7.7 million of his $25 million salary because he will not be paid for the duration of the suspension.
Ramirez released the following statement through the MLB Players’ Association: “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. That mistake is now my responsibility. I have been advised not to say anything more for now. I do want to say one thing; I’ve taken and passed about 15 drug tests over the past five seasons.”
Ramirez then went on to offer apologies to the owners, the entire Dodger organization and the fans. He continued, “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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