Is This Another Manny being Manny Move?

Major League Baseball has announced that Manny Ramirez is retiring. MLB contacted Manny Ramirez about an issue with MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment program. The issue with the program is still unknown. Instead of dealing with the issue, Manny decided to notify the league that he will be retiring as a active player.

But, why all of a sudden did Manny decide to retire? My guess is this unreleased "issue" with the Drug Prevention and Treatment program must be pretty big. Ramirez, while with the Los Angeles Dodgers, was suspended for 50 games back in 2009 for taking an illegal substance which he claimed to be a fertility drug. 

Did Manny fail yet another drug test? Since his time with the Dodgers his game play has clearly diminished, and his age could definitely be playing a factor in his lack luster performance as well.  The game plan for Ramirez (and this was no secret, Manny was in it for a paycheck at the end) was to get one more big contract before calling it quits, but it's obvious that his plan will never come into fruition.

My gut is telling me that he most likely failed another drug test and is looking at a 100 game suspension. If that turns out to be the case, I cannot blame him for his decision to retire.

(Image found at foxnewssports)

Posted in: Manny Ramirez,MLB,Retirement,Sports