New York Yankees All-Star Alex Rodriguez has been banned from baseball.
The ban comes after years of Rodriguez supposedly using performance-enhancing drugs to bolster his career. It will be effective August 8th for 211 games, although Rodriguez will be allowed to continue playing while he appeals the decision.
MLB said Rodriguez’s ban was for “his use and possession of numerous forms of prohibited performance-enhancing substances, including testosterone and human growth hormone over the course of multiple years.” The league also accused him of “attempting to cover-up his violations … by engaging in a course of conduct intended to obstruct and frustrate the Office of the Commissioner’s investigation.” The sentence was considered light, since Rodriguez could have been banned for life and thereby disqualified for any future Hall of Fame honors.
Clearly emotional after the ruling, Rodriguez spoke to reporters Monday night prior to a game against the White Sox at Chicago’s U.S. Cellular field. He thanked the league for allowing him to play as he fights the doping charges, however he was very careful not to address his guilt or innocence.
“I just want to express to you guys and the fans of baseball the last seven months have been a nightmare, probably the worst time of my life,” Rodriguez said. His words brought little sympathy, as Rodriguez was fiercely booed by Chicagoans, who called him baseball’s MVP: Most Vile Performance-Enhancer.
