Hammer time: MLB suspends A-Rod, 12 others

The Guru
Contributing Writer

Major League Baseball has dropped the hammer on Alex Rodriguez and 12 other players involved in the Biogenesis scandal.

Faced with a mountain of evidence that included text messages to Biogenesis clinic founder Tony Bosch and records of money in exchange for performance-enhancing drugs all the players agreed to the suspensions.

All except A-Rod.

It appears Alex Rodriguez is prepared to fight the charges. His suspension of 211 games would have started on Thursday. Rodriguez would be eligible to play pending his appeal.

Rodriguez said,
"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 "

MLB cites Rodriguez for using PEDs, including testosterone and HGH, over multiple years and obstructing and frustrating its investigation.

Excerpts from MLB's official announcement: "The following players have been suspended 50 games for violations of the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program: Antonio Bastardo, Everth Cabrera, Francisco Cervelli, Nelson Cruz, Fautino De Los Santos, Sergio Escalona, Fernando Martinez, Jesus Montero, Jordan Norberto, Jhonny Peralta, Cesar Puello, Jordany Valdespin."

"Alex Rodriguez is suspended 211 regular season games through 2014 for violating Joint Drug Prevention & Treatment Program & Basic Agreement. Alex Rodriguez’s suspension will be stayed until the completion of his appeal if Rodriguez files a grievance challenging his discipline."

"Melky Cabrera, Bartolo Colon and Yasmani Grandal, who already have served 50-game suspensions, will not receive additional discipline."

"MLB's investigation found no violations of the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program by either Gio Gonzalez or Danny Valencia."

Baseball commissioner Bud 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."

Emperor Bud has spoken. There is no place for cheaters in the game. However, A-Fraud is the monkey wrench in Bud's tough stance. Things will get messy. A-Roid's appeal could drag into 2013, according to sources. With the Yankees just 5 1/2 games out of the wild card it is going to look bad for baseball if the fraud is playing and impacting pennant races. The fight has just begun.

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