MLB releases official statement on Alex Rodriguez, slammed with 211 game suspension

MLB claims they have evidence of Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees using Testosterone and Human Growth Hormone. His 211 game suspension will start Thursday. Rodriguez will be eligible to return for the 2015 season. At that time, A-Rod will be 40 years old.

Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig announced today that third baseman Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees has been suspended without pay for the remainder of the 2013 Championship Season and Postseason and the entire 2014 Championship Season for violations of the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program and the Basic Agreement.

Rodriguez’s discipline under the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program is based on his 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. The suspension, which will become effective on Thursday, August 8th, will cover 211 Championship Season games and any 2013 Postseason games in which Rodriguez otherwise would have been eligible to play.

Under the terms of the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, Rodriguez’s suspension will be stayed until the completion of his appeal if Rodriguez files a grievance challenging his discipline.

Other than Rodriguez, Jhonny Perlata and Nelson Cruz are the biggest name players involved in the investigation. They have accepted their penalty of 50 games. Rodriguez is reportedly the only player connected with Biogenesis who will formally appeal his suspension. He's yet to officially appeal or release a statement.

One thing to keep in mind. Rodriguez's "legacy" is trashed. His bank account? Not so much.

after his suspension A-Rod still has 3 years/$61 million on his contract. this is hilarious

— Feels Goodman (@hipsterboner) August 5, 2013

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