MLB Doping Scandal: Officials May Suspend 20 Players Including Alex Rodriguez, Ryan Braun For Association With Biogenesis
Major League Baseball is on the brink of what could be the largest performance-enhancing drug scandal in American sports history. Twenty players from across the MLB may be suspended for their connection to a Florida clinic that allegedly distributes performance-enhancing drugs.
ESPN's "Outside the Lines" reported late Tuesday that Tony Bosch, who previously denied any knowledge of performance enhancing drugs at his South Florida clinic, made an agreement this week to cooperate with MLB's investigation. Bosch's cooperation could mean the suspension of about 20 players who MLB officials have connected with Biogenesis of America.
Biogenesis is Bosch's business, which is advertised as an anti-aging clinic. In January, the Miami New Times obtained records that allegedly showed that Biogenesis supplied drugs to some of "sports' biggest names." The infamous spreadsheet included well-known baseball players like San Francisco Giants outfielder Melky Cabrera, Nelson Cruz of the Texas Rangers , and New York Yankees' $275 million man Alex Rodriguez. The Miami New Times report also said that Biogenesis sold performance-enhancing drugs including anabolic steroids and human growth hormone to professional boxers, tennis pros and even college baseball coaches.
MLB filed a lawsuit against Bosch and Biogenesis in March, accusing the clinic of providing performance enhancing drugs to its players. Specifically, the suit alleged that Bosch "schemed" to provide drugs that he knew would be in violation of the players' contracts.
Tuesday night, after the Yankees' 4-3 win over Cleveland, Rodriguez's looming suspension was on the tip of everyone's tongue.
"I worry about baseball being affected, as a game, the whole thing," said Yankees Manager Joe Girardi. "What it's been through in the last 15 years, that's my concern. And I always worry about my players, always. One thing you never want to forget is, they're human beings. I always worry about my players."
In 2009, Rodriguez admitted to doping "earlier in his career." He hasn't played with the Yankees yet this season because he is rehabbing in Florida after undergoing hip surgery in January. He's expected back after the MLB All-Star break. However, if the gavel comes down on A-Rod's connection to Biogenesis, he may be out a lot longer than that.
ESPN says that MLB officials may seek 100-game suspensions for the players as a penalty for the doping offenses. There are two alleged offenses here: first, the players being connected to Bosch's clinic and second, the players' previous denials of those connections.
For right now, though, Brewers' player Ryan Braun maintains his innocence against the allegations.
"I've already addressed everything related to the Miami situation," Braun was quoted as saying by USA Today. "I addressed it in spring training. I will not make any further statements about it. The truth has not changed. I don't know the specifics of the story that came out today, but I've already addressed it, I've already commented on it, and I'll say nothing further about it."