A-Rod Formally Appeals MLB Suspension Over PED Use

We knew it was coming and now Alex “A-Rod” Rodriguez has formally filed an appeal over his MLB suspension. A-Rod was assisted in his filing by the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA).

MLB commissioner Bud Selig suspended A-Rod for 211 games, but that decision will now go in front of an independent arbitrator.

Speaking about his star player’s decision to appeal the suspension, Yankees manager Joe Girardi said, “I don’t think any of us thought it was going to be any different. As far as having a reaction, it’s kind of what I expected. It’s part of the process that was negotiated between MLB and the players’ association, and you let it play out. I expect him to play a lot. We need him to help us.”

Officials for the MLB have refused to comment on A-Rod’s formal appeal.

Thirteen players were suspended this week following an investigation into Biogenesis of America, a now closed Florida anti-aging clinic accused of distributing banned performance-enhancing drugs. While A-Rod has never tested positive for PEDs, he was listed as a client of Biogenesis of America.

Alex Rodriguez was handed a suspension that would carry through to the 2014 season.

A-Rod was the only player of the 13 to refuse a 50-game suspension. At the time of the suspensions, Rodriguez said he would continue to fight the MLB because the punishment was “way out of line.” A-Rod believes that the punishment leveled against him has not followed the “just cause” standard set forth by the collective bargaining and joint drug agreements.

A-Rod is supposed to start serving his suspension on Thursday, but his appeal will allow him to keep playing until arbitrator Fredric Horowitz hears his appeal. A decision will not be handed down until November or December at the earliest.

In the meantime, A-Rod’s formal MLB appeal means he can expect to hear the same boos he’s quickly growing accustomed to thanks to a now disgraced career.