According to Michael Schmidt of the New York Times, Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz and former Sox and current Dodgers OF Manny Ramirez tested positive for PED’s back in 2003.
Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz, the sluggers who propelled the Boston Red Sox to end an 86-year World Series championship drought and to capture another title three years later, were among the roughly 100 Major League Baseball players to test positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003, according to lawyers with knowledge of the results.
The list of roughly 100 or so players was never released but we’ve gradually learned names over the past few seasons.
Big Papi had no comment before today’s game but if this ends up being true, this is a huge blow in my opinion. Ortiz has publicly stated that he was clean and has always been clean. Now with this report, it puts his truthfulness to the test.
This news breaking right now is not something the Red Sox need either at this point. They are struggling right now and are involved in a pennant race with the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays and don’t need the outside distractions.
I know a lot of people in Red Sox Nation are stunned to hear this news. I know I am. Hopefully Big Papi nips this in the bud and comes clean about whether he did test positive or not. If other players have been forgiven, why can’t Big Papi.
Ortiz and Ramirez Said to Be on 2003 Doping List [New York Times]
