New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez has been suspended from baseball through the 2014 season. Pending appeal, he'll miss the remainder of the 2013 season and all of the 2014 season for using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) and attempting to obstruct the league's investigation of Biogenesis, MLB.com reports.
The league announced Rodriguez's suspension on Monday and released the following statement (via MLB.com):
"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."
If Rodriguez doesn't appeal, the suspension will go into effect on Thursday. Rodriguez's attorney, however, said last week his client will appeal any punishment the league issues. If the slugger does file a grievance, commissioner Bud Selig could push for a harsher punishment - Selig reportedly would try to ban Rodriguez from baseball for life if the 38-year-old appeals.
Rodriguez is expected to play Monday night.
Earlier on Monday, the league announced the following 12 suspensions for involvement with Biogenesis (via ESPN):
Nelson Cruz, Rangers
Everth Cabrera, Padres
Jhonny Peralta, Tigers
Antonio Bastardo, Phillies
Jordany Valdespin, Mets
Francisco Cervelli, Yankees
Jesus Montero, Mariners
Cesar Puello, Mets (prospect)
Sergio Escalona, Astros (prospect)
Fernando Martinez, Yankees (prospect)
Fautino De Los Santos, free agent
Jordan Noberto, free agent
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun became the first player suspended as result of the Biogenesis investigation. The league issued Braun a season-ending 65-game suspension in July, which he accepted.
