• New York Sports Journalism, Friday, May 8, 2009 10:45 AM

Marketers are rethinking endorsement deals using baseball players in the wake of new reports linking stars such as Alex Rodriquez, Manny Ramirez and Roger Clemens to the use of banned substances, Barry Janoff reports.

Working with agent Scott Boras, Ramirez was quick to admit responsibility, apologizing to his teammates and fans. He also distanced himself from the "steroid" cloud hanging over some of the game's top players, saying the medication he took was prescribed to him by a doctor for a "personal health issue."

Because of his quirky personality, Ramirez only earns about $4-5 million in endorsements, but the 50-day suspension announced by Major League Baseball yesterday will make the Los Angeles Dodgers slugger "a far reach for anyone looking for a baseball player," says Robert Tuchman, president and founder of TSE Sports and Entertainment. For their part, the Dodgers will have to dismantle their "Mannywood" section at Dodger Stadium at least until the slugger's scheduled return on July 3.

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