Braun Suspended For Rest Of 2013 Season

[Bronx Yankees]

Outlaw - Thanks again for all of the updates. Do you know why MLB still is holding off announcing the suspensions? I would have thought that the suspensions would be announced prior to the end of the trade deadline. The rumors were that there will be suspensions of players who have not yet been named. Do the teams now know who will be suspended so that they can handle the trade deadline accordingly or are they also going to be surprised at some of the suspensions? Finally, news reports seem to indicate that the players other than ARod generally (or universally) are going to accept their suspensions without appeal in exchange for getting everything wrapped up this season. ARod seems to be the only holdup. I am wondering why MLB seemingly is waiting on ARod to announce the other suspensions. It would seem preferable to announce the other suspensions, along with the players' agreements not to appeal, now, thereby putting even more pressure on ARod to accept some type of deal. Alternatively, if ARod is not going to accept a deal, why keep everyone waiting until Thursday or Friday? Any insight you can provide on these topics would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Mike

[Outlaw]

Outlaw - Thanks again for all of the updates. Do you know why MLB still is holding off announcing the suspensions? I would have thought that the suspensions would be announced prior to the end of the trade deadline. The rumors were that there will be suspensions of players who have not yet been named. Do the teams now know who will be suspended so that they can handle the trade deadline accordingly or are they also going to be surprised at some of the suspensions? Finally, news reports seem to indicate that the players other than ARod generally (or universally) are going to accept their suspensions without appeal in exchange for getting everything wrapped up this season. ARod seems to be the only holdup. I am wondering why MLB seemingly is waiting on ARod to announce the other suspensions. It would seem preferable to announce the other suspensions, along with the players' agreements not to appeal, now, thereby putting even more pressure on ARod to accept some type of deal. Alternatively, if ARod is not going to accept a deal, why keep everyone waiting until Thursday or Friday? Any insight you can provide on these topics would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Mike

Mike- My best guess is legal documents, confidentiality agreements all have to be reviewed by each players reps/attorneys. The Union has seen, known about the major details for weeks. Had Arod approached MLB like Braun did and accepted a deal 10 days ago, It probably would've been done already. The fact he has chosen to publicly fight through the media and MLB/Union to a certain extent has also though their limited statements, has probably caused some players to hold up on agreeing. MLB wanted this done before the trade deadline, but its a lot of legal work and evidence that had to be reviewed, checked and shared with each player involved. The teams probably have approached each of their players involved weeks ago and asked if they were involved and most probably know from the players. MLB, I Believe has not informed any team of any details of the investigation, as that would be seen as unfair by other teams. MLB has been consistent that the discipline would come after everyhting was verified, checked out, regardless of the impact on individual teams, the trade deadline. I think the Tigers figured out Peralta was taking his suspension because he told them. The likely outcome was all predictable months ago, when MLB filed thier lawsuit. What MLB learned through all the information handed over and all the witnesses who provided information was enormous. They had almost every player involved dead to rights.

There are some players though who are not going down in this mess at this time, because they appear to have been extremely smart/evasive on how they interacted with the clinics, in terms of records, money trail, electronic communications. They basically used friends and family to get the PEDS for them and with no failed test, MLB cannot prove the case on them. Rest assured though that MLB knows who they are and they know of other clinics also. IMO, it will only be a matter of time in the future before more bombshells hit all sports, but I'm not going to follow it much more, as I believe the road has been paved for sports to do the best they can to stop the use of PEDS. The changes to the CBA and JDa this winter should be interesting.

I believe Arod will still cut a deal and MLB has been attempting to give him as much time as they can, but the clock is indeed ticking and he has a lot to consider. I think Tomorrow or Friday they all come down. Doughy correctly made the connection to the next couple of days being the time frame where teams will hit the 50 games remaining mark.

[Outlaw]

Espn Onley and Quinn were just asked about other clinics on MLB radar and they skirted around ths issue, but Quinn did say, just in Florida they are all over and they did not deny others may come out. They also opined the BioGenesis clinic investigation is the roadmap on how MLB and others might deal with future clinics and suppliers.

Cruz may be hesitating on accepting a plea deal now to stay playing for Rangers. If he appeals, I hope he is aware MLB will probably have the appeal done within 20 days (per JDA) and a decision within 30. If reports have it right too, that MLB has multiple instances of violations on most players and that each instance counts as separate violation, then the penalty, per the JDA will be a lot more than 50 games. Tom Hardincourt had an excellent article on Braun and why he got 65 games. http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/217629251.html

[ToddZ]

Don't want to seem like a prick here but can we PLEASE call it Biogenesis?

Biogen is a very reputable pharmaceutical doing some really great work.

Thanks.

[BK METS]

Don't want to seem like a prick here but can we PLEASE call it Biogenesis?

Biogen is a very reputable pharmaceutical doing some really great work.

Thanks.

Agreed. I was just going to say something about the "legit" BioGen and how they are doing amazing things in the drug industry, ironically.

[Outlaw]

Don't want to seem like a prick here but can we PLEASE call it Biogenesis?

Biogen is a very reputable pharmaceutical doing some really great work.

Thanks.

Agreed. I was just going to say something about the "legit" BioGen and how they are doing amazing things in the drug industry, ironically.

Fair point fixed.

[Outlaw]

Oh well... Arod is saying he will/is preparing to make a statement when he is suspended... if true, who knows where he is capable of going with what he knows.... this is like russian roulette between him and MLB, all posturing for position... IMO MLB could blink becuase of what Arod knows... and the stuff, they dont' want out...

[Outlaw]

Arod has less than 24 hrs to cut a deal or it appears he will be gone on a Lifetime Ban and MLB will see him in an appeal most likely heard by Selig, although the Union is hoping/pushing to have the arbitrator at least hear it. If MLB agrees to have the arbitrator hear it, there is small possibility it could get decided in ARods favor and reduced to the 1 1/2 yr. ban MLB is offering Arod now. But if the evidence is as overwhelming as it appears, IMO the Ban will stand even with the arbitrator. Very Sad!

Also, the Union may be advising players of criminal exposure... Union extremely concerned with that aspect, as well as other clinics...It's amazing how silent the Union has been, other than advising players if they did wrong, take a deal. This is not like the Union of yester years. I'm hearing this investigation and the details may be bigger than anyone could've imagined. All I'll say, is when you got the Guy who ran the entire Secret Service for 7 years leading your effort, that is not the keystone cops as many have portrayed MLB's investigation. One of the numerous criminal mistakes made by some players is interfering with the MLB civil suit that was filed in early March, that is against the law, not to mention numerous violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act by eveyrone invovled.

[Outlaw]

Arod, his team and Attorneys have been given more of the evidence tonight and are presently in direct discussions with MLB to avoid lifetime Ban.

[Bronx Yankees]

While I would love it if ARod was suspended for life, I can't see him not settling at the end of the day. MLB supposedly has overwhelming evidence and it is tough to see a court or arbitrator (or Bud) overturning a lifetime ban. From my perspective, his career basically is over. If he takes a deal and is suspended through 2014, he still would have the Yankees on the hook for roughly $60 million (and probably could negotiate some type of retirement buy-out). He could lose all of that if a lifetime suspension sticks. I think all of ARod's threats of appealing are just to get the best deal possible. Well, at least this phase will be done soon (I hope).

Mike

[Outlaw]

Breaking tonight... All I will say is this has been going on for sometime and as I have said in the past, it involves other clinics and the SUPPLIERS and in multiple sates and multiple sports. MLB investigators continue to turn over more and more information and links to many others involved. Multiple Govt and state agencies are involved. There will be nothing MLB will be able to do, other than put in a good word for those that cooperated and possibly help with some legal bills. As with anything involving the FEDS, they too like the big fish and will grant immunity for cooperation to the lesser involved people, like some of the athletes. I have no doubt though some big athlete names may be charged at sometime in the future and not just baseball. The DEA has been working with MLB for well over a 18 months on these clinics.

This is some of what Quinn and Onley skirted around today when asked about other clinics...all Quinn said was there are a lot more. There is a company in California that teaches these clinic operators on how to Administer PEDS, HGH, and other "Aging" Meds under the guise of training them to do so legally, but also how to avoid testing detection. A lot of these clinic operators have passed through this "training" company the past few years. It's easy to trace and follow the clinic operators and thier buisness's by who has attended this type of "training". Tony B is just one who got this training and its why so many players have been able to evade current testing, by the way the PEDS are mixed and delivered into the body, it's an exact science... And it's evidenced by all Baseball players about to get suspended, never failing a test. Colon and Melky and few others got cuaght becuase they got tested within hours of taking the stuff... and MLB already had a list of suspected players going back to 2011 and Braun was another one. It is why Braun was complaining so much when they came to test him, He was pissed they picked the time they did, because the crap was not out of his system and he figured he was in the clear in October.

Things happen for reasons and sometimes the timing makes no sense...but sometimes it does- public pressure was mounting and this is the way the FEDS start dripping what they are up to. I will also say that MLB is onto more players and clinics.......and the NFL specifically is in the crosshairs of Congress.. because their problem is much, bigger than other sports....

I'm sure Arod as a major player and buyer and user and recruiter in BioGenesis and BioKem must be pooping his pants tonight...

======================================================

Miami Herlad tonight

A federal criminal probe is under way into whether the owner of a South Florida anti-aging clinic illegally sold controlled substances to high schoolers in addition to major league ballplayers and other professional athletes, the Miami Herald has learned.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Miami is scrambling to interview Porter Fischer, the whistleblower who holds 800 pages of the clinic’s records — some of which list clients’ names in code or aliases.

The move followed a story in the Miami Herald in which Fischer, Biogenesis’ former marketing director, challenged prosecutors to show some interest in the investigation.
In an interview with the Herald, he stressed that it wasn’t just professional ballplayers receiving steroids from Biogenesis and its founder, Anthony Bosch, but high school athletes as well.

Until now, only Major League Baseball had shown interest in the now-shuttered clinic’s records, offering Fischer as much as $125,000 for the files. Fischer declined, but Bosch was willing to make a trade — essentially selling MLB the names of cheating professional ballplayers in exchange for baseball’s help in shielding him against costly litigation.

It put Bud Selig, baseball’s commissioner, in the awkward position of allying himself with an alleged drug dealer.
Now the federal government is upping the ante by taking an intense look at Bosch’s dealings. While MLB is after the players who doped, the feds would be interested in criminally pursuing Bosch as well as those who provided the drugs for his business.

According to an email obtained by the newspaper, the push was prompted by a Herald story published last week — and a January exposé in Miami New Times — in which Fischer said Bosch was injecting minors with steroid “concoctions.’’

The Coral Gables-based clinic — Biogenesis, and its precursor, Biochem — allegedly supplied steroids and other banned substances to at least 20 ballplayers, including New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez, who is now fighting for his career. MLB plans to try to ban him from the sport for life, possibly by week’s end, sources said Wednesday.

MLB spokesman Pat Courtney declined comment, but sources said Rodriguez was weighing whether to fight or to cut a deal to avoid banishment.

Meanwhile, Michelle Alvarez, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Miami, would neither confirm nor deny the existence of an inquiry.

The criminal probe is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Sullivan and Sharad Motiania, according to the email, which was obtained from a source close to the investigation. The source called it “an investigation into federal illegal substance violations,’’ and said that Motiania hoped to meet with Fischer as soon as Thursday.

The email also indicated that the U.S. Attorney’s Office was coordinating with other federal agencies, presumably the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. This year’s doping scandal caused a furor largely because of the high-profile major leaguers, but scant attention was paid to the drugs that were allegedly being supplied to high schoolers.

But David Weinstein, a former state and federal prosecutor now in private practice, said even MLB can’t shield someone from a criminal prosecution.

“They are not law enforcement officers,’’ Weinstein said. “On the other hand they can certainly agree to provide legal funds for him, and it’s sort of a back-handed way of paying for the records.’’
Weinstein said what Bosch is alleged to have done is illegal under both state and federal law because all drugs, unless they are sold over the counter, are controlled substances. Steroids can be legally prescribed only by a licensed doctor and only for a legitimate medical reason — not for performance enhancement.

If the players knew they were obtaining controlled substances illegally, without a prescription or for reasons that were not medically necessary, they could be witnesses or subjects of the criminal probe, Weinstein said.

It’s unlikely, however, that Rodriguez — or other players — would be criminally prosecuted, even if they knew they were illegally buying steroids. The targets of the probe would be those who operated the clinic, he said.

MLB alleges that besides using performance-enhancing drugs, Rodriguez tried to undermine their probe by destroying evidence, an accusation he has denied.

Weinstein said federal investigations take time to develop and in this case, it could include a variety of avenues, including money laundering, medical fraud and malpractice.

[Rainiers]

Cruz may be hesitating on accepting a plea deal now to stay playing for Rangers. If he appeals, I hope he is aware MLB will probably have the appeal done within 20 days (per JDA) and a decision within 30.

Outlaw, thanks again for your observations, but I can't help but wonder how MLB could move quickly when everything they do seems to move at such a snails pace.

When Braun appealed, didn't that process take a lot longer than thirty days? And the head of the players union suggested that he felt that if players did appeal, that it would take months to resolve. So why do you feel so strongly that things would be different than that...that is, take less time than Brauns appeal and less time than the union believes it will take to rule on the Biogenesis appeals?

[knuckleheads]

Arod has less than 24 hrs to cut a deal or it appears he will be gone on a Lifetime Ban and MLB will see him in an appeal most likely heard by Selig,

Please see Vilma vs. NFL on how commissioners hearing appeals of their own decisions works out.

[Outlaw]

Cruz may be hesitating on accepting a plea deal now to stay playing for Rangers. If he appeals, I hope he is aware MLB will probably have the appeal done within 20 days (per JDA) and a decision within 30.

Outlaw, thanks again for your observations, but I can't help but wonder how MLB could move quickly when everything they do seems to move at such a snails pace.

When Braun appealed, didn't that process take a lot longer than thirty days? And the head of the players union suggested that he felt that if players did appeal, that it would take months to resolve. So why do you feel so strongly that things would be different than that...that is, take less time than Brauns appeal and less time than the union believes it will take to rule on the Biogenesis appeals?

You are correct Brauns did. Braun was notified in early November he had failed, by then, he had already known he would appeal and notified MLB he would. MLB knew the basis of his appeal immediately and they had work to do in regards to the testing and collection procedure. Braun lawyered up almost immediately knowing full well he was going to fail the test. That is why he was so pissed off, according to Teammates, that he got tested. When MLB notified him he failed, him and his attorneys had thier game plan already. MLB tried to defend the collection process, but because there were not "written" words in the JDA on how a sample is handled if not shipped the same day, The arbitrator ruled for Braun. What is not known is the MLB, the Union, The Testing and collection company all knew about the procedure if a test cannot be shipped the same day. It had happened numerous times before with no issue. Then Braun and his attorneys leaked the story to the media and Brauns team came out swinging when ESPN first reported it and for many reasons it took 3 months to get a decision, which as we know now, was a bad one.

This is totally different and various media have also reported MLB will fast track any appeals, something I mentioned months ago would be the case. Any player who does not take a deal will get 100 games and go through the appeal and it will be done quick. MLB is not letting any appeal stain the pennant races or the playoffs. Good luck to any player fighting the evidence MLB has on them. There are players involved that right now MLB does not have enough, that are not getting suspended at this time. So, IMO, the appeals and discipline will be done with in 30 days for any player who decides to appeal and they are also being made aware of that.

[Outlaw]

Arod has less than 24 hrs to cut a deal or it appears he will be gone on a Lifetime Ban and MLB will see him in an appeal most likely heard by Selig,

Please see Vilma vs. NFL on how commissioners hearing appeals of their own decisions works out.

Aflack.

[Outlaw]

If Arod doesn't cut a deal with MLB, the FEDS will make him target one among the athletes involved. He'll have an easier go in fighting Federal drug charges if he doesn't go to arbitration, and I don't think he would win Federal drug charges brought against him anyhow. Any sworn statements Arod makes in arbitration while challenging his pending MLB suspension could/will put him in legal jeopardy and MLB will cooperate and be required to turn over everything have on thier investigation to the Feds.

The involvement of the U.S. Attorney and the FEDS puts more pressure on Rodriguez. He would be under oath in an arbitration, and all the evidence MLB has on him would be available to the Gov't and prosecutors and anything he says, if he lies, would complicate a criminal case for him and subject him also to perjury charges. He is better off cutting a deal and praying the Feds don't go after him.

MLB's investigators have hundreds of emails, text messages, phone records, delivery records, types of drugs, witness's linking Rodriguez and other players to the clinics, as well as documents and notes indicating transactions, dates and drug purchases. They may also have other evidence reflecting stronger financial ties between Rodriguez and the clinic.

It also appears Porter Fisher is sitting on a treasure trove of evidence, including records and other electronic documentation that MLB has not yet seen, but knows about from other witness's, including Bosch. Fischer was a partner in Biogenesis, albeit for a short time, and that alone allowed him access to company information, so the talk of him stealing it, would never stand. I doubt Him and Bosch had anything other than a simple partnership agreement and that would not have covered limited access to company records. He apparently will be turning all of that over to the FEDS and from what I have heard, that information contains the ticking time bombs for a lot of players and other athletes that have not been named yet. I'm sure if Fischer is going to cooperate as he has said, The FEDS will then share that information with MLB at some point. Fisher was also subpoenaed in MLB's case I recently learned, but has not yet been deposed. It appears Fischers current attorney notified the Florida judge yesterday he is not representing Fischer any longer in the MLB lawsuit. It may be because he is not a criminal attorney. MLB also deposed two more people this week that were ordered by the Florida Judge to testify.

Here is the problem that unnamed players and other athletes face if and when the Feds bring a case, they will all be subpoenaed, and some of the first questions they will be asked under subpoena will be did you ever purchase PEDS from any of these clinics? The second one will be, what did you do with those PEDS if you purchased them? The third will be, who supplied them? Plus many more. Most of them would probably get immunity from prosecution for cooperating, but in getting that immunity and telling of their buying/usage, they will then be subject to MLB discipline. The Feds are going to want the Big Fish athletes, All the Clinic operators, and all the Suppliers they can get, not the athletes who may have used the PEDS occasionally. The suppliers will be the links to more clinics and more athletes and more sports.

MLB knows of others players, they just at this time cannot prove their case against them, however a deposition to the Feds by any player/athlete/buyer indicating buying, usage, etc., by any player, will then allow MLB to take disciplinary action against them based on that. One reason MLB never issued subpoenas against any players they thought might be involved, was that they knew the FEDS would probably bring a case, and they did not want to risk jeopardizing the current CBA and in fact there is some language in the CBA that possibly precludes MLB from doing so. It's not that hard to figure out, that MLB and the FEDS have been working together for sometime and what is occurring has probably been well thought out.

Federal prosecutors Patrick Sullivan and Sharad Motiani of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Miami will lead the investigation. Jeff Novitsky from the Balco case is and has been involved also. All I'll say on the US Attorneys office speaking out now, is they don't say anything or announce who is working on a case, until they are confident they already have enough to at least bring indictments and charges.

The Feds are also looking to ACES, the sports agency operated by brothers Sam and Seth Levinson.

As for Arod, I still think he has to make a deal with MLB, he cannot risk testifying in arbitration.

One more thing I'll add is, that IMO I think Ryan Braun figured this all out, or was at least advised and I would not be surprised if he is cooperating and if thats true, Good for him!!!

[knuckleheads]

It also appears Porter Fisher is sitting on a treasure trove of evidence, including records and other electronic documentation that MLB has not yet seen, but knows about from other witness's, including Bosch. Fischer was a partner in Biogenesis, albeit for a short time, and that alone allowed him access to company information, so the talk of him stealing it, would never stand.

...I'm sure if Fischer is going to cooperate as he has said, The FEDS will then share that information with MLB at some point.

Outlaw, you continue to glorify the efforts of, and make excuses for the failings of Fischer, who is a self-admitted investor in a company he knew was selling PEDs to high school children. At the same time, you continue to imagine draconian ways Arod can be punished for doing what hundreds of other baseball players have done, take PEDs and lie about it.

Your stance on this subject is proving to be distasteful and vindictive.

[Outlaw]

It also appears Porter Fisher is sitting on a treasure trove of evidence, including records and other electronic documentation that MLB has not yet seen, but knows about from other witness's, including Bosch. Fischer was a partner in Biogenesis, albeit for a short time, and that alone allowed him access to company information, so the talk of him stealing it, would never stand.

...I'm sure if Fischer is going to cooperate as he has said, The FEDS will then share that information with MLB at some point.

Outlaw, you continue to glorify the efforts of, and make excuses for the failings of Fischer, who is a self-admitted investor in a company he knew was selling PEDs to high school children. At the same time, you continue to imagine draconian ways Arod can be punished for doing what hundreds of other baseball players have done, take PEDs and lie about it.

Your stance on this subject is proving to be distasteful and vindictive.

Sorry I disagree with you Knucklehead, as I said in the past if you find it distasteful, you shouldn't read this post, as the information appears to bother you. I write what is known and what could possibly happen IMO. Do You have any idea how long Fischer was an investor? - I doubt it. When is it that you know Fischer learned about Biogenesis selling PEDS to kids and how long did he know and participate, as you say you seem to know.

I don't write wierd stuff like this to make a point as you recently did - Knuckleheads: "Selig getting tough on steroids now is like a cheating wife starting a support group for cuckolded husbands. No matter how much it helps, she is still responsible for her misdeeds. Selig has never owned up to his failures, and for him to lead this PR game suggesting banishment is hypocritical to the core"

Just what are Selig's failures? and why is he a hypocrite?

[Outlaw]

One more thing I'll add is, that IMO I think Ryan Braun figured this all out, or was at least advised and I would not be surprised if he is cooperating and if thats true, Good for him!!!

A little more on Braun. Something I pointed out a while ago for all the players who have met with MLB and did not answer questions. MLB was asking questions based on factual evidence it had. A Player can sit there and say nothing, but if you know the questions/facts are true, you leave knowing they have proof.

This was reported by ESPN on July 23: "After MLB's original meeting with Braun on June 29, at which he refused to answer questions about Biogenesis, he (Braun) requested a second meeting, a source familiar with the discussions told T.J. Quinn of ESPN's "Outside The Lines." Braun, after realizing the significance of the evidence against him from questions in the first meeting, decided to meet again to strike a deal that would limit his suspension to this season."

It appears that any appeal hearing will only involve the Union attorneys, the players own individual attorneys cannot be present.

[knuckleheads]

Sorry I disagree with you Knucklehead, as I said in the past if you find it distasteful, you shouldn't read this post, as the information appears to bother you.

This is a discussion board, Outlaw, which necessarily implies more than one opinion. It's hard to write as much as you do on a subject without making mistakes. I try to only debunk those of yours that are ill-willed. I can understand how you might be offended by my pointing out your errors, however, I think the corrective action for that would be fewer errors by you, not less reading by me.

Do You have any idea how long Fischer was an investor? - I doubt it. When is it that you know Fischer learned about Biogenesis selling PEDS to kids and how long did he know and participate, as you say you seem to know.

Fischer said in his recent interview the only reason he has turned on Bosch is because Bosch did not provide the return on investment promised to Fischer. In other words, Fischer only became concerned with Bosch's teenage PED supply after Fischer didn't get paid for it. = Scumbag.

Just what are Selig's failures? and why is he a hypocrite?

To sum up, Selig allowed PED use to run rampant during his entire tenure. He did nothing that effectively discouraged the use of PEDs for a decade. He only acted when Congress threatened baseball's antitrust exemption. He has continually glossed over the seriousness of use. Three years ago, baseball was bragging they only had two positive test results in a season. Three years later, we find out many were still using when that statement was made. Now, Selig whines that his tenure should not be known as the 'Steroid Era' while in the same breath saying, "there was a huge cocaine problem in the 80's." (When he was an owner). Now, without ever taking an ounce of responsibility for the problem (it was all the big, bad union's fault) he wants a few players who embarrassed him to be punitively shamed and punished.

[Outlaw]

Sorry I disagree with you Knucklehead, as I said in the past if you find it distasteful, you shouldn't read this post, as the information appears to bother you.

This is a discussion board, Outlaw, which necessarily implies more than one opinion. It's hard to write as much as you do on a subject without making mistakes. I try to only debunk those of yours that are ill-willed. I can understand how you might be offended by my pointing out your errors, however, I think the corrective action for that would be fewer errors by you, not less reading by me.

Do You have any idea how long Fischer was an investor? - I doubt it. When is it that you know Fischer learned about Biogenesis selling PEDS to kids and how long did he know and participate, as you say you seem to know.

Fischer said in his recent interview the only reason he has turned on Bosch is because Bosch did not provide the return on investment promised to Fischer. In other words, Fischer only became concerned with Bosch's teenage PED supply after Fischer didn't get paid for it. = Scumbag.

Just what are Selig's failures? and why is he a hypocrite?

To sum up, Selig allowed PED use to run rampant during his entire tenure. He did nothing that effectively discouraged the use of PEDs for a decade. He only acted when Congress threatened baseball's antitrust exemption. He has continually glossed over the seriousness of use. Three years ago, baseball was bragging they only had two positive test results in a season. Three years later, we find out many were still using when that statement was made. Now, Selig whines that his tenure should not be known as the 'Steroid Era' while in the same breath saying, "there was a huge cocaine problem in the 80's." (When he was an owner). Now, without ever taking an ounce of responsibility for the problem (it was all the big, bad union's fault) he wants a few players who embarrassed him to be punitively shamed and punished.

As you said we all have opinions... Bottom line, Cheating and drugs are what is distastful... not the dealers, not the suppliers, and not the players who use will ever be defended by me. I offer my opinions and as much as possible facts to back them up, anyone can offer thier's. I think I've been failry accurate on what I have perceived are the issues and what would happen and will happen. Is the world perfect, nope, and never will be, but I'm a believer the truth always comes out and if others conisder that naive, so be it. I do blame the Union for not dealing with his for over 20 years, they now know, it was wrong. The Union leadership, who coud'nt throw a baseball 5 feet, over all these years, misled the players on this issue and now the players have had enough.

[Outlaw]

Arod is looking for somewhere between 65 and a Max of 115 games to settle. He is adamant as of today that he get the same as Braun, although 115 are the drips his team is making as being able to possibly have Arod agree too. He's not as much concerned with the money as he is being able to play baseball next year before June. I would say though, the money does play a role in his decision. His Rangers deferred Salary is protected even in a Life time Ban, but his Yankee contract is not. MLB wants this done and over, at least this episode of PEDS cheaters. They have many reasons for also wanting to cut a deal with Arod also. Arod is also proposing multiple other efforts and ideas he would participate in, such as more frequent testing, addressing the damage he has caused the Houghton Foundation and others PEDS education programs. Whether any of that actually happens depends. If Arod gets banned for life, IMO an arbitrator will reverse it and the biggest reason would be, he didn't get a similar penalty as to all the others who agreed. He will get more, because he has more egregious offenses, but not lifetime. I think its a given that MLB will allow Arod to have his appeal with an arbitraor and not just with Selig.


The Rangers still owe Arod approximately $40 million in deferred money from the initial contract that A-Rod signed in 2000. That figure will eventually grow to almost $50 million towards the end year of 2025.
The Rangers will pay Arod from 2016-2025

With all that is being reported, I'm not venturing a guess as to what he gets now. There are too many factors for both sides to consider. With all that is known, Arod will be suspended though shortly. Anyone else venture a guess as to what he gets as this thing winds down shortly.

approx Salary Details based on length of suspension

Salary $114,000,000 Games Years
50 2013
162 2014
162 2015
162 2016
162 2017
698 Total Games

Per game $163,323.78

Games suspended Lost Salary Remaining Salary
50 Rest of 2013 $8,166,189 $105,833,811
100 First 50 of 2014 $16,332,378 $97,667,622
115 Jun-14 $18,782,235 $95,217,765
150 Aug-14 $24,498,567 $89,501,433
215 2013/2014 $35,114,613 $78,885,387

Lifetime Ban $00000000.00

Rangers Deferred $50,000,000 2016-2025 per year $5,000,000

[Outlaw]

Up to 20 or so players will be suspended soon/announced. Some minor leaguers. Looking more and more as if Arod will get this year and next year- 214 games. I still think there is a chance that he cuts a better deal though, including other terms in the suspension.

Arod will have all day tommorrow (Sun) to come clean and make an agreement- there is a better deal for him to make if he chooses. It's kind of tragic watching him speak the past 2 nights after his games. He has got to have the absolute worst advisors and Attorneys, unless he just does not listen to anyone.

[knuckleheads]

From an ESPN report:

Several sources also said that Selig was "furious" with Rodriguez for telling reporters he would not negotiate, even as his attorneys sought a deal to mitigate MLB's looming punishment.

Bud Selig is a child. MLB is about to get its ass handed to it.

A source from Rodriguez's camp told ESPN New York that Rodriguez has no interest in a settlement and is prepared to fight baseball in arbitration. The source said that MLB offered to drop any lifetime bans if Rodriguez accepted giving an arbitrator the flexibility to charge him with more than a 50-game suspension.

Rodriguez's side "unequivocally" turned down the offer, the source said, pointing to clause 7G of the Joint Drug agreement that states that PED users can "only" be hit with a 50-game suspension. Rodriguez has never failed a drug test....

"If this goes to arbitration, it could get very, very ugly," a source told ESPN New York's Ian O'Connor.

[Outlaw]

Bud Selig is a child. MLB is about to get its ass handed to it.

I highly doubt it, MLB did not cause this problem. Just who is going to hand it to MLB? and How? and on what defense? Knucklehead you are implying that all the other players who are going to take their suspensions are idiots for doing so? Testing and the JDA have been in effect for 7 years. The JDA Has been updated quite a few times since then. I do not get the rationale where people can in any way defend PED/Drug use and cheating in sports.

Arod unfortunately could end up more of pariah than Pete Rose, where no one ever defends him or cares about him. He will be an after thought, unlike Pete Rose, who many still support. If Arod fights his suspension, he will end up incriminating himself in arbitration and everyone will get to seem him in a criminal court. MLB has so much on these guys it is not even funny, remember the pictures.

Arod has a lot of choices to make today, I hope for his sake he makes the right ones.