New York, NY – Suspensions for New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez and 14 other players are expected to be announced imminently, according to the New York Daily News.
The newspaper reports commissioner Bud Selig could invoke a clause in the collective bargaining agreement that says "the right to take action against a player to preserve the integrity of the game."
By doing that Selig could bypass the grievance procedure from the Players' Association, and he'd attempt to keep Rodriguez off the field, possibly for the rest of his career.
The Daily News reports Rodriguez would be suspended immediately for interfering with Major League Baseball's investigation into Biogenesis of America, the now-defunct Miami-based anti-aging clinic suspected of supplying performance-enhancing substances.
Other players would then be suspended for violating baseball's drug program, according to the Daily News.
Rodriguez could still appeal the suspension, but Selig would hear that appeal instead of an arbitration-based system for doping cases.
The Daily News also reported Monday that Rodriguez's handlers have spoken with officials of MLB, through the MLBPA about a possible deal. Executives reportedly believe they have enough evidence against A-Rod to warrant a lifetime ban, but a lesser penalty could be put in place if the three-time American League MVP agrees not to fight a suspension.
Rodriguez has never been disciplined for a doping offense. If he was suspended for doping, he'd go through the appeals process as outlined in the Joint Drug Agreement. But by Selig going through the labor deal, A-Rod likely wouldn't be able to delay his suspension.
The newspaper reports MLB investigators believe they have plenty of evidence that shows A-Rod used performance-enhancing drugs in 2010, 2011, and 2012, and possibly longer.
In 2009, Rodriguez admitted to using steroids as a member of the Texas Rangers from 2001-03.
The Daily News reports a settlement could result in A-Rod sitting out until 2015. In that case, he'd still have a chance to collect the $60 million the Yankees would owe him between 2015-2017.
Rodriguez and the Yankees have recently clashed about a quad injury that has kept him sidelined. Rodriguez has yet to play in the majors this season. He was sidelined for the first 3 1/2 months after recovering from hip surgery.
The 38-year-old Rodriguez, a 14-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner, is fifth in career home runs with 647.
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