Focus on A-Rod as probe widens

Slugger could face lifetime ban if drug allegations are proven

Alex Rodriguez certainly leads the New York Yankees in headlines this season even though he hasn't played a single game for them.

Injuries have kept him away from the team since last year's playoffs, and now Rodriguez faces discipline from Major League Baseball in its drug investigation - possibly up to a lifetime ban.

"The likelihood of a severe punishment for Rodriguez is very high," former commissioner Fay Vincent said on Wednesday.

The three-time American League Most Valuable Player, who turns 38 on Saturday, is among more than a dozen players MLB has targeted following allegations they were linked to a Florida clinic accused of distributing performance-enhancing drugs.

After Ryan Braun's agreement to accept a 65-game suspension earlier this week, attention has turned to Rodriguez, who in 2009 admitted using PEDs while with the Texas Rangers from 2001-03.

He has repeatedly denied using them since, and MLB has never said he failed a test.

Lawyers for MLB and the players' association were set to resume discussions about the Biogenesis investigation on Thursday.

Though it was unclear who might be penalized next, all eyes were on A-Rod.

The Yankees expect Rodriguez to be accused of using PEDs over multiple seasons, of recruiting other athletes for the clinic, of attempting to obstruct MLB's investigation, and of not being truthful with MLB in the past when he discussed his relationship with Dr Anthony Galea, who pleaded guilty two years ago to a federal charge of bringing unapproved drugs into the US from Canada.

With 647 home runs, fifth on the career list and 115 shy of matching Barry Bonds' all-time record, Rodriguez is among the most prodigious sluggers in baseball history.

His record contracts have also put him in the spotlight; first a 10-year deal worth $252 million with Texas that started in 2001 and then another 10-year deal worth $275 million with the Yankees that began in 2008.

But his body has been breaking down. Rodriguez has been on the disabled list six times in six years and was repeatedly benched by the Yankees during last fall's playoffs.

Just when it appeared he was ready to rejoin the Yankees this week, the team said he strained his left quadriceps.

Rodriguez has acknowledged taking PEDs before baseball started penalizing their use.

In 2009 he attributed his decision to being "young and stupid" and agreed to work for the Taylor Hooton Foundation to combat steroids.

If it turns out he was violating drug rules all along, his reputation might be beyond repair.

"There's no question it's been diminished, and more so than many of his contemporaries that also were involved, because in his case the perception now is that the use has been ongoing," NBC broadcaster Bob Costas said.

"That could change if he somehow successfully defends himself, but if that doesn't happen the perception would be that it was not confined to a certain period of time.

"The shame of all of it is that A-Rod clearly would have been an all-time great player without ever using performance-enhancing drugs."

(China Daily 07/26/2013 page24)