The hammer has finally dropped. After weeks of speculation surrounding New York Yankee third baseman Alex Rodriguez and 12 other Major League Baseball (MLB) and minor league players accused of being involved with the South Florida clinic Biogenesis, Rodriguez, has been suspended by the commissioner's office through the end of the 2014 season - a total of 211 games (including regular season and possible postseason), potentially losing out on $33.5 million of his salary.
"I am disappointed with the penalty and intend to appeal and fight this through the process" Rodriguez said in a press release. "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, the MLB's highest paid player, has up to 72-hours to file an appeal, which would be heard within 10 days by arbitrator Fredric Horowitz. Rodriguez, who played in two rehab games for the Trenton Thunder over the weekend, can play with the Yankees while he appeals the commissioner's decision - which can be rendered within 25 days after appearing before Horowitz.
"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," said Selig.
Rodriguez, who held a private workout in Trenton prior flying out to Chicago to meet up with the Yankees, is expected be in the lineup against the White Sox Monday night.
MLB commissioner Bud Selig said in a statement that Rodriguez suspension is covered under the league's drug program policies and is based on the third baseman's "use and possession of numerous forms of prohibited performance-enhancing substances, including testosterone and human growth hormone, over the course of multiple years" as well as "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 league, who already suspended Milwaukee Brewers All-Star Ryan Braun - a former National League Most Valuable Player - for 65-games, has also handed down 50-games sanctions to 12 other players including Texas Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz, Detroit Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta, and San Diego Padres shortstop Everth Cabrera. The league took no further action against Oakland pitcher Bartolo Colon, Toronto outfielder Melky Cabrera, and San Diego catcher Yasmani Grandal - all who were involved in the Biogenesis investigation but have already served 50-game suspensions.
"I am proud of the comprehensive nature of our efforts, not only with regard to random testing, groundbreaking blood testing for human Growth Hormone and one of the most significant longitudinal profiling programs in the world, but also our investigative capabilities, which proved vital to the Biogenesis case," said Commissioner Selig in a statement to MLB.com.
The suspensions handed down by league come as result of an investigation launched by MLB after a Miami New Times published a story detailing Rodriguez's ties to Biogenesis, accusing the clinic of distributing performance-enhancing drugs to athletes - including high school students.
The Miami New Times reported that Rodriguez was paying $12,000 a month and received 19 different drugs and supplements. Tony Bosch, founder of Biogenesis, agreed to cooperate with MLB after the league sued him, using his records as the linchpin of the league's case against the baseball players accused of using PEDs.
"This case resoundingly illustrates that the strength of our Program is not limited only to testing," said Selig to MLB.com. "We continue to attack this issue on every front - from science and research, to education and awareness, to fact-finding and investigative skills. Major League Baseball is proud of the enormous progress we have made, and we look forward to working with the players to make the penalties for violations of the Drug Program even more stringent and a stronger deterrent."
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