New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez -- baseball's highest-paid player-- is reportedly facing a 100-game suspension from Major League Baseball if found to have used performance-enhancing drugs. About 20 athletes, including Milwaukee Brewer and University of Miami alum Ryan Braun, will reportedly receive punishment as well.
In a blockbuster story in January, Miami New Times managing editor Tim Elfrink broke the story of how employees at a South Florida clinic called Biogenesis had been allegedly injecting elite professional athletes with performance-enhancing drugs. The clinic owner, Tony Bosch, had abandoned his business, and former employees shared handwritten records he had left behind as proof of the allegations.
See Also: A Miami Clinic Supplies Drugs to Sports Biggest Names
Officials from Major League Baseball sought the records from New Times, which for various reasons opted not to hand them over nor disclose sources.
Now, though, ESPN is reporting, the League has succeeded in launching its own investigation and is going to come down on the players accused of using banned substances. Bosch is reportedly cooperating with investigators. ESPN reports that he will start testifying Friday and that he is seeking MLB's help in staving off any criminal charges that might follow. MLB has offered to drop a lawsuit it filed against him and offer him personal security.
It could still be difficult to prove wrongdoing, as baseball players will likely contest any allegations and there are no failed drug tests as evidence.
Here's a link to our complete, ongoing coverage of Biogenesis and the PED scandal.
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