Alex Rodriguez was suspended on Monday for 211 major league games. Along with Rodriguez another 12 players, have been disqualified for 50 games each for their alleged use of performance enhancing drugs.
"I am disappointed with the penalty and intend to appeal and fight this through the process. I am eager to get back on the field and be with my teammates in Chicago tonight, I want to thank my family, friends and fans who have stood by my side through all this." Rodriguez said in a statement.
A-Rod has received the most severe punishment yet and won't be able to play until the end of 2014. Rodriguez admitted for substance abuse from 2001 and 2003 when he played for the Rangers but has denied any illegal activity since.
The rest of the players who have been suspended for 50 games are Nelson Cruz, Jhonny Peralta, Fernando Martinez, Antonio Bastardo, Jordany Valdespín, Cesar Puello, Fautino De Los Santos, Jordan Norberto, Francisco Cervelli, Jesus Montero, Sergio Escalona and Everh Cabrera Cruz.
The investigation began when the Miami New Times reported in January that documents linked several players to Biogenesis a clinic specializing in anti-aging which was accused of distributing banned substances among athletes. The investigation first led to the suspension of Ryan Braun for 65 games last month.
If Rodriguez were to appeal the decision his case would be reviewed by Fredric Horowitz. If his appeal is rejected, Rodriguez could go to other bodies and prolong the entry into force of the suspension until 2015.
Rodriguez has said he believes the big leagues and the Yankees want to prevent him from coming back to play after a hip surgery earlier in the year. He is scheduled to join the Yankees for the first time in the year tonight against the White Sox.
"With everything that's going on behind the scenes people find creative ways to cancel your contract," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez is owed $ 8.5 million of his 28 million salary for this season and $86 million in total for the last four years of his contract with the Yankees. Yankees Head Coach Joe Girardi said he doesn't believe that A-Rod's return will affect the team negatively.
"I do not think it will create uncomfortable situations,'' he said. "Most of the guys laughed with him and have spent much time with him. It will not change anything. Obviously there will be more journalists, but that is something that Alex will have to take care of, not the rest of the players.''