The steroids issue in Major League Baseball will probably never go away.

In the past two weeks, Barry Bonds has received headlines for humiliating disclosures in federal court from witnesses stating changes to his body while on steroids.

Whether or not the witnesses are telling the truth is somewhat irrelevant. The news is out there for the public to hear, and to many, whether the specifics are true or not won't obscure the perception that Bonds, among several others, were using performance enhancing drugs and their production is therefore tainted.

While baseball continues to receive public attention for all of the wrong reasons, another left fielder tossed his hat into the shameless ring for the umpteenth time.

Manny Ramirez announced his retirement today because he doesn't want to adhere to Major League Baseball's drug policy. This should come as no surprise to anyone who has followed Manny and his career.

He apparently failed a drug test in spring training, but that didn't stop him from starting the season with one hit in 17 at-bats.

But what makes Ramirez's retirement so buffoonish is how he's refused to fade into retirement with at least some dignity.

What sliver of hope one would have to think Ramirez would show a thread of self-respect by leaving a professional game he spent about two decades playing, was dashed. Ramirez left the game the only way he knew how: with absurdity.

Had Ramirez never used PHD, he would still have been considered a great hitter. Based on his terrible attitude in the clubhouse, the likelihood of Ramirez missing the Hall of Fame is growing.

This latest story only adds to the probability that Ramirez will never be given his due credit for being among the greatest hitters of all-time.

Since it's of his own doing, it's difficult to exercise any sympathy for Ramirez.

But he's probably not looking for that anyway.

Court Major league baseball