Detroit Tigers News

Biogenesis scandal: MLBPA responds to suspension report

A day after an ESPN report stated more than 20 MLB players could be suspended for ties to PED-linked clinic Biogenesis, the players' union asks people to tape the brakes.

By Kurt Mensching@KurtJustKurt Jun 5, 2013, 1:30pm EDT

Tuesday, Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta was named in an ESPN report among the 20-plus players who could be suspended by MLB for ties to Biogenesis, a Miami clinic in the news for providing PEDs to athletes in multiple sports. Wednesday, the MLBPA responded by asking players not be prejudged.

"The Players Association has been in regular contact with the Commissioner's Office regarding the Biogenesis investigation. They are in the process of interviewing players and every player has been or will be represented by an attorney from the Players Association. The Commissioner's Office has assured us that no decisions regarding discipline have been made or will be made until those interviews are completed. It would be unfortunate if anyone prejudged those investigations.

"The Players Association has every interest in both defending the rights of players and in defending the integrity of our joint program. We trust that the Commissioner's Office shares these interests."

ESPN reported Biogenesis-founder Tony Bosch will provide MLB evidence and sworn testimony linking Alex Rodriguez, Ryan Braun and about 18 more MLB players, possibly including Peralta, to PEDs. (Some players are linked only by code names, but there are no reports which players these are.) Bosch agreed to do so in exchange for MLB dropping its prior lawsuit again him, protecting him (both legally and with a bodyguard) and helping to "mitigate any criminal exposure" from the government. MLB is also trying to bring two former Bosch associates into the fold.

This process may begin as soon as Friday, ESPN's report continues. Based on this evidence from Bosch, the MLB will pursue suspensions of 50 to 100 games. Players withour prior PED links are thought to be facing the lower end of the scale, while those with prior PED links could face the higher end.

Due to no prior links to PEDs, Peralta, if suspended, would likely face the 50-game penalty.

In the past, Peralta denied any links. In March, his lawyer released (via the Detroit News):

"I have never used performance-enhancing drugs. Period," Peralta said in a statement released by his attorney, Barry Ross. "Anybody who says otherwise is lying."

Tuesday Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski told the News he had no comment, as he had not heard the latest report.