Major League Baseball and commissioner Bud Selig have dropped the hammer and suspended those players who violated the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program and the Basic Agreement. A total of twelve players were suspended for 50 games.
New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez got a harsher sentence and was suspended without pay for the remainder of the 2013 Championship Season and Postseason and the entire 2014 Championship Season.
Source: A-Rod suspension is going to be for 211 games. It's the rest of '13 and all of '14. Under JDA doesn't go into effect until Thursday.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 5, 2013
According to MLB.com, Rodriguez’s suspension was based on his use and possession of numerous forms of prohibited performance-enhancing drugs, including Testosterone and human Growth Hormone, over the course of multiple years. In addition, his attempts to cover up his violations by engaging in conduct meant to obstruct and frustrate the Commissioner’s investigation.
Alex Rodriguez will appeal his suspension.
Michael Weiner on A-Rod: "We agree with his decision to fight his suspension. We believe that the Commissioner has not acted appropriately."
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 5, 2013
More from Weiner, exec director MLBPA: "Mr. Rodriguez knows that the Union, consistent with its history, will defend his rights vigorously."
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 5, 2013
Michael Weiner on leaks: "We must revisit the JDA’s confidentiality provisions and consider implementing stricter rules for any breach."
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 5, 2013