Alex Rodriguez Would Appeal Suspension, But Selig Could Shut it Down

Alex Rodriguez’s reported intentions to fight any immediate suspension from baseball may mean nothing if the New York Daily News report is true that the baseball commissioner will invoke his rarely used right to take action to protect the "integrity of the game."

The Post reported that Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig may go after Rodriguez under Article XI, Sect. A1b, and that would keep Rodriguez from playing during the appeals process.

On ESPN's "The Michael Kay Show," Rodriguez’s attorney said his client is focused on an appeal and on playing in the majors again. 

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The Yankees player admitted to steroid use in the past, and was named by Dr. Anthony Galea, who is under investigation by the FBI for supplying athletes with performance enhancing drugs. That involvement has drawn the wrath of Selig.

The Post reported that Selig is prepared to use the Article XI section of the collective bargaining agreement that allows him to keep Rodriguez from playing baseball to protect the game’s integrity should Rodriguez appeal his suspension, which along with 14 other players is expected to be announced soon.

Rodriguez would have 30 days to appeal should Selig invoke that little-used rule, the Post said.

Major League Baseball investigators suspect Rodriguez of trying to intimidate witnesses and buy documents that incriminated him, the NY Post said.

If Rodriguez is suspended under the sport’s drug rules instead of the collective bargaining agreement, he would have the opportunity to continue to play while the appeal is in process, ESPN said. But he can’t play if MLB suspends him under the bargaining agreement.

Despite his past admitted drug use, Rodriguez has never been disciplined for a drug issue, ESPN said. The sports news site said reports have varied on what Rodriguez is facing, anything from a 50-game suspension to a lifetime ban.

If Rodriguez is suspended, ESPN said the Yankees may try to void the third baseman’s contract.

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