In one of the most anticlimactic suspension stories in the history of organized sports, Major League Baseball announced today what we all expected: suspensions galore for 13 players associated with the Biogenesis scandal.
The biggest name on the list — and the one who won’t go quietly — is Alex Rodriguez, who was suspended for the remainder of 2013 and all of 2014, a total of 211 games. A-Rod, with the full support of the MLB Players Association, will appeal the suspension. As of now, he will be allowed to play during the appeal process. A-Rod is expected to play in today’s Yankees-White Sox game in Chicago.
In a statement released from MLB, Commissioner Bug Selig said A-Rod’s suspension is based on “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.”
Let the A-Rod appeal process begin so we can drag this negative story even deeper into the season, postseason and beyond!
While A-Rod is appealing his suspension, 12 other players accepted their suspensions, waived their right to appeal and will miss 50 games effective immediately. Here is the list:
- Nelson Cruz, Texas Rangers outfielder
- Everth Cabrera, San Diego Padres shortstop
- Jhonny Peralta, Detroit Tigers shortstop
- Antonio Bastardo, Philadelphia Phillies reliever
- Jordany Valdespin, New York Mets outfielder
- Francisco Cervelli, New York Yankees catcher
- Jesus Montero, Seattle Mariners catcher
- Cesar Puello, New York Mets outfield prospect
- Sergio Escalona, Houston Astros pitching prospect
- Fernando Martinez, New York Yankees outfield prospect
- Fautino De Los Santos, free-agent pitcher
- Jordan Norberto, free-agent pitcher
Ryan Braun, who began serving his 65-game suspension a few weeks ago, brings the total of players suspended from the MLB investigation to 14.
“Despite the challenges this situation has created during a great season on the field, we pursued this matter because it was not only the right thing to do, but the only thing to do,” Selig said in the statement. “For weeks, I have noted the many players throughout the game who have strongly voiced their support on this issue, and I thank them for it.”
