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Shocker: Manny Ramirez Abruptly Retires, And Conspiracy Theories Abound

Manny Ramirez, the nine-time Silver Slugger and one of only 25 players to have hit 500 home runs, has suddenly retired. The announcement comes courtesy of MLB, and Manny’s explanation (not to mention the abruptness of it all) creates a whole bunch of questions.

Ramirez, whose 2011 campaign with the Tampa Bay Rays has been less-than-stellar, cited problems with MLB’s drug testing program. According to Sports Illustrated’s Joe Lemire, Ramirez was contacted by the league about “an issue under its drug program.” Rather than continue with whatever process lay before him (a possible suspension or, at the very least, dealing with the public backlash), Ramirez retired.

Speculation is something that Ramirez won’t be able to avoid, however. ESPN’s Buster Olney had this little tidbit on Twitter: “Take this for what it’s worth: Manny looked much bigger in spring training.” Quite an insinuation.

From the looks of it, Manny Ramirez violated MLB’s drug policy, was caught, then said “screw it” and retired. It may not be the perfect ending to his career, but it certainly seems like it fits, doesn’t it?