The Forgotten Story Behind The Manny Ramirez Suspension

The reports of Manny Ramirez being suspended is still resonating through the sports world. It is the second big name to be exposed since the PED's testing became a federal issue, literally a federal issue.

Alex Rodriguez was a bombshell of sorts, but it was allegedly a past transgression, so a suspension or fine was not applicable. And while others, like J C Romero of Philadelphia have been suspended under the new rules, Manny is the first superstar to be given a 50 game suspension. Not the first star to be busted and suspended however.

Remember the pointing finger Raffy? Yes Rafael Palmeiro received a 10 game suspension at the close of his career for failing a Performance Enhancing Drug test.

Lost in all of this is another big issue however. At least as far as I am concerned. And frankly shame on those who are turning the other cheek on this issue. What issue you ask?

As long as their has been a MLB Players Union, every disciplinary and player related procedure has been a negotiated agreement between the Union and MLB. And when it comes to matters that require a party outside of baseball, that party is also mandated to abide by the legally negotiated terms.

So here it is. When it comes drug testing, it is no secret what the contractually bargained agreement is. Everyone who can read or has watched baseball knows that the testing and the specifics of the test results are to be kept completely confidential.

The deal is that the tests are random and it is never to be announced who is being tested and when. In fact when a player passes a drug test there is not an announcement. When a test is failed, then only the fact that they failed and the subsequent discipline is to be announced.

And yet somehow, within days of a failed test, the media is reporting the alleged drug that the "said" player took. Which leads to my problem and this rant.

Where is the players union? Where is Bud Selig? Why aren't they screaming bloody murder over this! Not to defend or condone PED usage or a specific player but someone is breaking a contractual obligation here.

How do they know what drug Manny Ramirez allegedly took? Where is the media getting these reports? Unless Manny or his Doctor revealed it, which we all know didn't happen, then there should be a legal action here.

Now while it's true that the media is not guilty of breaking the negotiated contract, they are facilitating some one else to do so. The MLB players Union and MLB should be seeking litigation against the reporters and the news sources until they find the person or persons that leaked this information. Of course like I said, the media cannot be held personally responsible they do know who the leak is. And yes they will naturally hide behind the source protection rule they cling too. Nevertheless, even if this would be a futile suit, they should make a public issue. I mean think of the irony here. The media holds it's "protect the source" code as sacred and vital and yet they have no respect for the contractually binding agreements of employees of other companies evidently.

Honestly, every MLB Player should refuse to adhere to any further testing until the leaks are stopped. You are offering your test sample under the binding agreement that the results are totally confidential. And yet far too often a player fails a test somehow the drug he took is revealed. That is unacceptable and disgraceful. And no one is ever held accountable. Again where is the Players Union and MLB? Why are they not looking out for their employees and members?

Look I hate the whole drug mess and I am not suggesting that Manny did not take more than what has been reported. But I am saying that there is no reason that we should ever hear what drug a player has taken unless they volunteer that information themselves. Yes it is scintillating and enticing to read or hear about, and many of us are curious. But the agreement between the Union, MLB, and the company carrying out the tests is legal and binding.

So while professional athletes may be spoiled and rich brats at times, they should be afforded the same protection that any other Union employee enjoys. The bottom line is if someone at "the factory" for example, fails a drug test they do not tell the world or the fellow employees he was smoking crack or snorting cocaine. And no one would want it any different. And if someone leaked information like that someones head would be on the chopping block and the Union would have a field day.

How much you get paid or how famous you are should never be a factor when it comes to legal agreements. The MLB players union, MLB, and frankly any hard working schlub should be outraged!