Per USA Today's article today. He's going to be the test case for this. The interesting thing is, and I am IN NO WAY an A-Rod fan or someone who believes that steroids in sports is not a big deal (it is to me, and I despise those players that got away with it...including any former and current Dodgers), I don't think a lifetime ban will stand. I'm not sure any court would enforce such a ban. Pete Rose's ban was after his career was over and has more to do with the Hall of Fame. This is a current player's livelihood, where a lengthy ban might serve the same purpose without being as absolute as a lifetime ban. Anyway, interested in knowing people's thoughts. A-Rod is so despised, it may not matter. But what if it was Mariano Rivera or a Derek Jeter type player?
we cant say that it wont stand without knowing the details... if they prove that he has been using PEDs, AND had constant contact with Biogenesis, AND obstructed an investigation, I bet they can force the hand... but it all depends on the proof they might have... the union has said that they dont want to defend cheaters, they just want to provide players with a fair process (that's why they moved on with Braun's suspension with no drama, cuz the proof was too strong)... if they are going for a lifetime ban, they might well have enough stuff on A-Rod to drown him... personally, I doubt a lifetime happens... he might work out a "deal" for a 2 year suspension and then retire...
Your last question is so true, if this were a player with a positive image people would be up in arms.
Actually a ban may not mean forfeiture of his contract unless there was a clause like that in the contract. Could be the best of both worlds.
um the proposed lifetime ban isn't because of ped use it's because he tried to sabotage the investigation MLB will base its action not only on Rodriguez's use of PEDs, but on the fact that he purportedly "lied to MLB officials while attempting to sabotage their investigation." http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/07/latest-on-biogenesis-1-1.html .
Maybe I'm out of the loop, but I always thought ARod's image was fairly positive until the steroid links started popping up. If Rivera or Jeter were connected to steroids, denied it for several years, and tried to hinder investigations - people would hate them too. ARod and Braun are actually proof that no one is above being villainized by the public over steroid scandals.
Damn. I guess I am out of the loop. I thought the talk was that it would be good for baseball if/when he passes Bonds on the alltime HR list, and we have a model baseball player on top of that list again. Still, I think if any player had the same link to steroids and lying about it, he would be hated. Jeter included.
I remember that talk but that was when he was a Mariner but ever since he left and got that huge contract (even before the steroid shit) he's been despised for variety of reasons. Huge contracts and myths of centuar paintings of yourself do that to ya
Even though he was a dick I remember the message boards always saying "Best modern clean player" lmao.
Anyone listen to Inside Pitch today? According the Casey and Bowden, MLB has texts where he repeatedly asks for PEDs. They have testimony from people that he tried to bribe into not testifying. They have him in text asking people to change their testimony. He apparently burned evidence. They said that was just the beginning. According to them, A-fraud has been given the choice between taking a ban for this year and next or facing a lifetime ban. If he appeals this one, he will have an arbitration with ONLY the commissioner per some rule about "integrity of the game". They suggested that Selig wants Afraud to appeal so that he can then release all of the evidence they have. They also stated that Braun's evidence was massive with the same going for the others about to be suspended. However, apparently, Cruz may appeal. They suggested that behind the scenes the Rangers may have asked him to do so in order to get through this year and hinted that he will get a one year contract even if found guilty and suspended.
That's epic shit there bro. Thanks for sharing. I think it's fucking bullshit that the Rangers are trying to pull that shit...basically they are paying him to appeal. That's wrong IMO. They're using they're money to manipulate the system. That's some crooked shit, that's kind of telling how that dirty team has always operated. The fuckers probably condone the use of PEDs then. No surprise they've always produced or had so many PED users, both suspected and caught. If I made a list of everyone I've ever thought to use them, the Rangers would probably have the biggest list I think.
In fact, if a guy like Jeter was found to be dirty, it might even be worse, because so many people adored him and he is so beloved in NY, and admired universally...ARod is a douchebag and it doesn't hurt so much as a guy like Jeter would. Obstruction of justice, whether "only" illegal substance abuse for playing a game better or for treason, say for example, should be punished. We've already had a previously adored athlete get away with a double homocide, and probably more to come. Gotta slam the door on this shit at some point. Now is just perfect.
