Article:All-Star Game or No All-Star Game?

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder, Manny Ramirez, was suspended 50 games for violating Major League Baseball's drug policy.

Dispute the allegations of Ramirez using steroids; Manny denies using performance enhancing drugs. According to himself, the substance that was used by Manny was subscribed by a doctor.

"Unfortunately, the medication was banned under our drug policy. Under the policy that mistake is now my responsibility. I have been advised not to say anything more for now. I do want to say one other thing; I've taken and passed about 15 drug tests over the past five seasons," said Ramirez.

Even though Ramirez violated Major League Baseball's drug policy, he still is eligible to participate in the 2009 All-Star game. He's currently fifth on the list.

Many people aren't happy that Ramirez is eligible for the All-Star game, and some believe he shouldn't be allowed. "It's sending a bad message to others," is the excuse people are using. "It hurts the image of Major League Baseball," and "It's not punishing the players." Relax.

Ramirez suspension is over on July 3rd. When he returns he should be eligible to play with the Dodgers and in the All-Star game. Ramirez served his 50 game suspension and that was his punishment. When he received his 50 game suspension, "All-Star game" was never mentioned and it should remain unmentioned. Rules were broken and Ramirez served the time, what more is needed?

When a player violates Major League Baseball's drug policy, the player serves a 50 game suspension, that's the rules. Not being able to participate in the All-Star game is NOT the rules.

Even though Ramirez should be eligible for the All-Star game; he shouldn't play because he didn't accomplish anything this season. The All-Star game is a reward for players that made accomplishments on the first half of the season and Ramirez didn't make any accomplishments.

Seeing Ramirez participate in the All-Star would be disrespectful to players that were productive in the first half of the season. It's almost like the co-worker that gets paid for doing nothing, while everyone else is working their "butt" off. Ramirez did nothing this season and that's the reason he shouldn't play in the All-Star game. His eligibility shouldn't be questioned, but his participation should be.

It's understandable that Ramirez is a superstar and he's the best hitter in the game. The 2009 All-Star game is for players that produced all-star statistic in 2009, not in 2008.

All-Star games are for the fans, but clearly their "horrible" when it comes to voting. If this continues should the voting belong to the fans?