Alex Rodriguez Suspended 211 Games
Alex Rodriguez has been suspended for 211 games.
A-Rod was suspended for violating the MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program as well as the Basic Agreement.. He will be out for the remainder of this season and all of 2014. It is the longest drug suspension ever handed out by Major League Baseball.
The MLB said in a statement that Rodriguez was suspended 2011 games for using and possessing numerous forms of performance enhancement drugs. The league also said that Rodriguez tried to cover up his violations.
The league said in a statement: “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.”
A-Rod is expected to file an appeal. Yahoo Sports reports that the New York Yankees star will be allowed to play during the appeals process. That means that Rodriguez could play tonight against the Chicago White Sox.
The MLB writes: “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.”
The MLB also announced today that it was suspending a dozen other players for using performance enhancement drugs. Commissioner Bud Selig said that the league is doing everything it can to “maintain integrity, fairness and a level playing field.”
Selig said: “As a social institution with enormous social responsibilities, Baseball must do everything it can to maintain integrity, fairness and a level playing field. We are committed to working together with players to reiterate that performance-enhancing drugs will not be tolerated in our game.”
