Baseball:Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Manny Ramirez has been suspended for 50 games after testing positive for a performance enhancing drug, though he maintains he did not deliberately cheat and was prescribed the drug by his doctor. Nevertheless, Ramirez has confirmed he will not appeal the decision.
In a statement issued through the MLB Players’ Association, Ramirez, who signed signed a two-year, $45 million (€33m) contract with the Dodgers before the season, said: "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. 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.
"I want to apologise to (Dodgers owner) Mr. McCourt, Mrs. McCourt, (manager) Mr. Torre, my team mates, the Dodger organisation, and to the Dodger fans.
"LA is a special place to me and I know everybody is disappointed. So am I.
“I'm sorry about this whole situation."
The 36-year-old power-hitting outfielder helped the Dodgers post a 21-8 record this season, the best in the major leagues.
The 12-time All-Star, who joined the Dodgers last season from the Boston Red Sox, is the biggest name to be penalised since Major League Baseball began testing for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003.