Alex Rodriguez Suspended 211 Regular Season Games Though 2014 Season
Following Ryan Bruan’s agreement to settle for a 50 game suspension last month, the MLB decided to lay down the hammer on Alex Rodriguez today with a 211 game suspension. Rodriguez was facing a lifetime ban for his role in the illegal use of P.E.D (Performance Enchantment Drugs) at Tony Bosch’s Biogenesis of America clinic.
The MLB was looking to make a settlement agreement like seen with Braun last month, to sweep the scandal under the rug in typical MLB fashion; but Alex is still claiming his innocence. It’s no secret the Yankees have been trying to part ways with A-Rod which they still owe him over a $100M guaranteed money. He’s currently “penciled” in to start tonight against the Chicago Whitesox, which will be his first time on the field in nearly 10 months.
The punishment will become effective this Thursday August 8th, which Alex Rodriguez is expected to play through the suspension with an appeal through the MLB player’s association. You can continue after the jump to read the official press release from Bud Selig and more.
OS REWIND: MLB Suspends Ryan Braun Remainder Of 2013 Season Without Pay For Steroids
Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig announced today that third baseman Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees has been suspended without pay for the remainder of the 2013 Championship Season and Postseason and the entire 2014 Championship Season for violations of the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program and the Basic Agreement.
Rodriguez’s discipline under the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program is based on his use and possession of numerous forms of prohibited performance-enhancing substances, including Testosterone and human Growth Hormone, over the course of multiple years. Rodriguez’s discipline under the Basic Agreement is for attempting to cover-up his violations of the Program by engaging in a course of conduct intended to obstruct and frustrate the Office of the Commissioner’s investigation. The suspension, which will become effective on Thursday, August 8th, will cover 211 Championship Season games and any 2013 Postseason games in which Rodriguez otherwise would have been eligible to play.
Under the terms of the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, Rodriguez’s suspension will be stayed until the completion of his appeal if Rodriguez files a grievance challenging his discipline.
12 players agreed to 50-game suspensions in connections to Biogenesis with 9 of the names being revealed.
- Antonio Bastardo, Phillies reliever
- Francisco Cervelli, Yankees catcher (on DL)
- Jordany Valdespin, Mets outfielder (minors)
- Jesus Montero, Mariners catcher (minors)
- Cesar Puello, Mets outfielder (minors)
- Sergio Escalona, Astros pitcher (minors)
- Fernando Martinez, Yankees outfielder (minors)
- Fautino De Los Santos, free-agent pitcher
- Jordan Norberto, free-agent pitcher
Alex Rodriguez suspended 211 regular season games through 2014 for violating Joint Drug Prevention & Treatment Program & Basic Agreement.
— MLB (@MLB) August 5, 2013