WASHINGTON — The White House is calling the suspension of Los Angeles Dodgers' Manny Ramirez for 50 games — the latest star caught up in a drug scandal — a great embarrassment for Major League Baseball.

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs was asked Thursday about Ramirez' suspension. Ramirez said he did not take steroids and was given medication by a doctor that contained a banned substance.

Gibbs said he hadn't spoken to President Barack Obama about Ramirez, but called it a disappointment to anyone who is a sports fan.

Gibbs said any case where an athlete is using a drug to get ahead is a tragedy, a shame and a great embarrassment to MLB.