MLBPA issues statement regarding Biogenesis investigation

New York, NY – The Major League Baseball Players Association has issued a statement Wednesday regarding ESPN's "Outside the Lines" Biogenesis report.

According to Tuesday's report by the investigative medium, Major League Baseball will seek to suspend about 20 players, including former MVP's Alex Rodriguez and Ryan Braun, for their involvement in a Miami anti-aging clinic that allegedly supplied the players with performance-enhancing substances.

Tony Bosch, the founder of the Biogenesis of America clinic, reportedly reached an agreement to cooperate with MLB officials investigating the matter.

The ESPN report said the suspensions could be handed down within the next two weeks. The names included were: Rodriguez, Braun, Melky Cabrera, Bartolo Colon, Yasmani Grandal, Nelson Cruz, Francisco Cervelli, Jesus Montero, Jhonny Peralta, Cesar Puello, Fernando Martinez, Everth Cabrera, Fautino de los Santos and Jordan Norberto.

Michael Weiner, the executive director of the MLBPA, said in a statement that the union has been in regular contact with the Commissioner's Office regarding the probe.

"They are in the process of interviewing players and every player has been or will be represented by an attorney from the Players Association," Weiner said. "The Commissioner's Office has assured us that no decisions regarding discipline have been made or will be made until those interviews are completed. It would be unfortunate if anyone prejudged those investigations.

"The Players Association has every interest in both defending the rights of players and in defending the integrity of our joint program. We trust that the Commissioner's Office shares these interests."

Rodriguez, a three-time AL MVP, has never tested positive for steroids but admitted in a 2009 interview to using performance-enhancing drugs while a member of the Texas Rangers from 2001-03.

Braun successfully appealed of a 50-game suspension for a positive PED test following his NL MVP campaign of 2011. Braun previously stated he had a business relationship with Bosch but only as a consultant during his appeal.

Cabrera, Colon and Grandal have all tested positive for steroids and were handed 50-game suspensions within the past year.

The Biogenesis controversy began in January when the Miami New Times reported it had obtained medical records of players who had purchased banned substances -- namely human growth hormone -- from the clinic.