Manny Ramirez suspended 50 games for steroids

Manny Fails 2nd Test; Retires

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 tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug during spring training and retired rather than face a 100-game suspension, The New York Times reported on its website. 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."

Manny Ramirez facing battery charge

WESTON, Fla. -- Former World Series MVP Manny Ramirez was arrested and charged with battery Monday
after a domestic dispute at his South Florida home, police said.

Ramirez, 39, and his wife were arguing in their bedroom when he slapped her face, causing her to hit her
head on their bed's headboard, according to a police report. She told the deputy she was afraid the situation
would escalate and called police.

Ramirez denied hitting his wife, according to the report, telling a deputy "he grabbed his wife by the shoulders
and when he shrugged her, she hit her head."

Ramirez's wife, Juliana, had red swelling on her face and a small bruise on the back of her head, the police report
said. She did not want medical treatment.