Manny retires after notification of drug issue
By Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com | 04/08/11 4:31 PM ET
Manny Ramirez is retiring as a player, Major League Baseball announced in a statement issued Friday afternoon.

The statement said Ramirez had "an issue" under MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program and informed the league he is hanging it up rather than "continue with the process under the program."

The statement, in full, reads as follows: "Major League Baseball recently notified Manny Ramirez of an issue under Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment program. 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 will not have any further comment on this matter."

The New York Times, citing two sources, reported Ramirez tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug during Spring Training.

If the issue involving Ramirez was a drug violation, he would be facing a suspension of 100 games.

Ramirez, with 555 career home runs, signed with the Rays this offseason and was off to a 1-for-17 start at the plate. The 12-time All-Star wasn't with the team on Thursday because manager Joe Maddon said he was attending to a "family matter."

In 2009, Ramirez, 38, was suspended 50 games by MLB for violating the league's drug policy.

"We are obviously surprised and disappointed by the news," the Rays said in a follow-up statement. "We will have no further comment on this matter, and our fans and organization will carry on."

The Rays will select the contract of Casey Kotchman from Triple-A Durham to fill Ramirez's roster spot.

Alden Gonzalez is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his columns and his blog, listen to his podcast and follow him on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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기사를 요약하면 도핑테스트를 했는데 약물 양성반응을 보였고, 약물 프로그램을 거칠경우 100경기 출장 정지 처분을 받을 것이 확실시되었습니다.
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결국 이렇게 한 세대가 가는 것 같네요. 약의 힘이었지만 어쨌든 최고의 클러치 히터였는데.
그나저나 템파베이는 요즘 성적도 안 좋고 6경기동안 꼴랑 8골 넣고 있는데 안습 ㅠㅠ

통산 성적 2302경기 2574안타 555홈런 1831타점 .312-.411-.585