Agent Scott Boras denies he tried to cover up Manny Ramirez’s drug use

Influential agent Scott Boras issued a statement Friday in response to Newsday reporting that Biogenesis founder Anthony Bosch told federal investigators Boras was involved in efforts to cover up Manny Ramirez’s use of performance-enhancing drugs in 2009.

Ramirez was playing for the Dodgers at the time. He was suspended for 50 games after failing a drug test.

Boras’ statement read:

“I have never met Tony Bosch. I have never talked to Tony Bosch. I have never been to his office or conducted any meetings with him.

“In 2009, we received notice of a positive drug test for Manny Ramirez. It was while investigating that matter we learned about Tony Bosch for the first time. We were told he was a doctor treating Ramirez. One of our staff attorneys reached out to Bosch to obtain his medical records, like we would with any doctor.

“There was no litigation in this matter, or statements taken from anyone in our office. The player was represented by the MLBPA, and hired independent counsel to aid in his defense. MLB and the MLBPA then worked out a settlement. We were not a party to those negotiations. Anyone curious about the counsel we gave our client should examine the statement that Ramirez gave the media following his settlement. Ramirez admitted use, and did not offer a legal defense.

“Furthermore, I was not personally called or emailed about these allegations. Newsday chose to publish this story without any direct communication or contact with me.”

Bosch is one of eight men arrested on federal charges in related to Biogenesis, a South Florida anti-aging clinic that provided performance-enhancing drugs to athletes.

Citing two sources “with direct knowledge of the claims,” Newsday reported that Bosch told federal investigators earlier this year that Boras orchestrated a meeting with him after Ramirez tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone. Bosch’s father was also at the meeting, according to Newsday.

Bosch said he fabricated a patient chart to be used by the union, the newspaper reported. According to Newsday, Bosch said he was instructed by Boras to include hCG on the chart, evidently unaware that it was banned by baseball.

Bosch also told federal agents that Boras created a cover story for Ramirez about how Ramirez inadvertently used his elderly uncle’s testosterone cream because it resembled aftershave, Newsday reported. It’s unclear whether Boras or Ramirez used the cover story.

Ramirez was suspended by Major League Baseball because hCG use was documented in his records.

Newsday said it reached out to Boras via email and phone, but that the agent never responded.