Should Suspended Baseball Players Be Allowed to Rehab?

Manny Ramirez is no stranger to controversy, and now is part of a new one that has gained popularity in recent days. Only this time, it is not his fault. As everyone knows, Ramirez is currently serving a 50-game suspension for violating major league baseball's illegal substance policy. Ramirez's suspension will end on July 3rd, barring any rain-outs before then. While the nature of Ramirez's absence from the Los Angeles Dodgers certainly has enough controversy alone, the situation has drawn the ire of baseball fans nationwide when it was announced that Ramirez would be sent this week to the Dodger's triple-A affiliate in Albuquerque. Many fans and members of the media have voiced their opposition to this, saying that the Dodger's slugger was banned from baseball for 50 games. He was not injured, so why should he be given, in essence, a few rehab starts to get "baseball ready?" As stated, this is not an issue that is Ramirez's fault, not is he receiving special treatment. ... (link)