Hanley Ramirez

"The reporting on Hanley's involvement in this matter was reckless and irresponsible. It's unfortunate that one careless, inaccurate story can generate such widespread negative and damaging coverage." Adam Katz, Hanley Ramirez's agent.

The story Hanley's agent refers to is the one where it was reported that Hanley may be under federal investigation as part a large drug trafficking ring. Turns out Hanley's name was only brought up by a friend hoping to avoid arrest. Nothing more.

Was the media irresponsible in running with stories about Hanley's possible involvement with dangerous drug gangs? Yes - absolutely. To paraphrase a famous quote - who does Hanley see to get his reputation back?

Hanley Ramirez is a free agent but this negative publicity may hurt his chances of hooking onto another team. And the Red Sox? Even though Hanley tried (and succeeded) to be a positive clubhouse influence and fan-friendly to the extreme these past two seasons how can they welcome him back as an alumni knowing he had a childhood friend probably dealing dangerous drugs in nearby Lawrence, MA? Even if that childhood friend was doing it without Hanley's knowledge.

The silver lining (maybe gold lining?) is that Hanley has made over $159 million over his baseball career and probably doesn't really a bench role.