Manny Ramirez retires after drug policy issue arises
In this photo taken April 6, 2011, Tampa Bay Rays' Manny Ramirez watches from the dugout during a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels in St. Petersburg, Fla. Ramirez has notified Major League Baseball that he is retiring after being notified of an issue under MLB's drug policy. The commissioner's office issued a statement Friday, APril 8, 2011, that said Ramirez decided to retire rather than go through MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson)
NEW YORK — Tampa Bay Rays slugger Manny Ramirez told Major League Baseball on Friday that he is retiring after being notified of an issue that arose under MLB’s drug policy.
The commissioner’s office announced Ramirez’s decision in a statement, but did not say whether he tested positive for a banned substance. Ramirez previously served a 50-game suspension for violating the drug policy while he was with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
"Major League Baseball recently notified Manny Ramirez of an issue under Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program," the statement said. "Rather than continue with the process under the Program, Ramirez has informed MLB that he is retiring as an active player. If Ramirez seeks reinstatement in the future, the process under the Drug Program will be completed."
MLB said it would have no further comment.
