Manny Ramirez: Career of controversy

2003

Having played in only 120 games in 2002 because of a hamstring injury, Ramirez misses more games with pharyngitis. Late in August, while supposedly too ill to play in a series against the Yankees, he is spotted in a hotel bar, then skips a doctor’s appointment ordered by the Red Sox.

A few days later, he refuses to enter a game as a pinch-hitter and is benched for one game by then-manager Grady Little.

After the season, the Red Sox put him on irrevocable waivers in an attempt to dump his massive contract, but all 29 other teams pass and he remains in Boston.  (Charles Krupa / Associated Press)

2005

Ramirez is criticized on several occasions for not hustling to first base after hitting grounders in the infield. Trade rumors also dog him, and after the Red Sox are eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, Ramirez demands to be traded, threatening not to report to spring training if his request is not met. He later tells reporters he has dropped his demand, though his agents say he still wishes to be traded.  (Winslow Townson / Associated Press)

2009

When agent Scott Boras can’t find any other takers, Ramirez signs a two-year, $45-million contract with the Dodgers on March 4.

Thursday, after waiving his right to appeal, Ramirez began a 50-game suspension for violating major league baseball’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

-- Mike Hiserman  (Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images)