Alex Rodriguez received the longest PED-related suspension in the history of major league baseball Monday — a 211-game ban that was slated to take effect Thursday, August 8.
The suspension, if accepted without appeal, would take the 38-year-old third baseman through the end of the 2014 season.
Commissioner Selig said, “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.”
Selig acknowledged, “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.”
Alex Rodriguez plans to file the aforementioned appeal, which will allow him to continue playing in the Yankees lineup until an arbitrator rules. It is expected that No. 13 will play tonight against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field in the Windy City.
Twelve other players agreed to give up the right to appeal in order to receive 50 game suspensions. Among this group are three All-Stars: Nelson Cruz of the Texas Rangers, Everth Cabrera of the San Diego Padres and Jhonny Peralta of the Detroit Tigers.
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