Report: Some 20 baseball players may face suspension in doping scandal

[slimvictor]

Major League Baseball is set to suspend some 20 players in the coming weeks due to a scandal involving performance-enhancing drugs, according to an ESPN report.

The network says it is potentially the worst drug abuse case in the history of baseball.

The league declined to comment to CNN, but confirmed that an investigation is in the works.

Baseball's highest-paid player, New York Yankee Alex "A-Rod" Rodriguez, as well as Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers are among those facing suspension, ESPN said, citing unnamed sources.

Both have denied using performance-enhancing drugs, or PEDs.

The league may seek to double the possible suspension time for affected players by counting the doping itself as one infraction and lying about having taken the drugs as a second one, ESPN reported.

Braun has faced suspension before, for a period of 50 games.

In 2012, a drug test showed high levels of testosterone in his body, but the outfielder successfully disputed the testing process, and the suspension was overturned in February.

Braun declined to comment on the ESPN report late Tuesday, but said he was sticking by his previous account. "The truth has not changed," he told reporters.

A Florida newspaper first leveled doping allegations at Rodriguez in January. The Miami New Times reported that the shortstop and third baseman had acquired the drugs from a Miami anti-aging clinic called "Biogenesis," run by Anthony Bosch.

ESPN said Bosch, who allegedly supplied baseball players with performance-enhancing substances, has agreed to cooperate in the MLB investigation.

Records obtained by MLB name many players, but league investigators need Bosch to attest to their accuracy and confirm that players were doping, ESPN reported, citing unnamed sources.

The league filed a suit against Biogenesis in March for allegedly supplying PEDs to players and advising them on how to avoid detection during drug tests.

ESPN reported that MLB may drop the suit against Bosch, if he cooperates in its investigation.

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[slimvictor]

MLB has been pursuing a vigorous, independent investigation since first hearing rumors about Biogenesis and Bosch and upped the ante by filing a lawsuit against Bosch and other parties allegedly involved.

At the time, there was mixed opinion about the approach. But, according to ESPN's sources, that's what led to this breakthrough. Even though Bosch has publicly denied any knowledge or involvement, it's now being reported that he lacked the financial resources to mount a defense which led him to decide to cooperate. After a protracted negotiation, MLB agreed to "drop the lawsuit it filed against Bosch in March; indemnify him for any liability arising from his cooperation; provide personal security for him; and even put in a good word with any law enforcement agency that may bring charges against him."

Getting Bosch to testify is a major breakthrough. The Miami New Times first reported in January that there were documents appearing to link players to Biogenesis and other media outlets subsequently uncovered more of the paper trail. But before being able to move forward, MLB had to be able to substantiate the evidence.

Bosch can tie it all together by confirming that the records are accurate and reflect transactions for illegal substances. Bosch reportedly has pledged to turn over any materials in his possession that will help MLB build its case.

Over the past several months, some 20 players have been publicly connected to Biogenesis. ESPN's list includes Braun, Everth Cabrera, Melky Cabrera, Francisco Cervelli, Bartolo Colon, Cruz, Fautino De Los Santos, Yasmani Grandal, Fernando Martinez, Jesus Montero, Jordan Norberto, Jhonny Peralta, Cesar Puello, Rodriguez and a number of players who are either identified by code names or whose names appear in other documents not obtained by "Outside the Lines."

There is no confirmation that MLB will try to suspend all those players, however. Nor is there confirmation that 100-game suspensions would be sought against A-Rod and Braun; neither previously has been suspended for a positive test.

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[23536]

the game has already become soooo boring! Why are they going out of their way to catch people on PEDs? They should only act if there is irrefutable evidence. It is very hard to watch pitching duels, and now that is the norm because nobody has any power.

Baseball was never so exciting as when the likes of Bonds, McGwire and Sosa were belting 60+ homers every year.