MLB will likely suspend big names in steroid scandal
Major League Baseball may hand out 50-game suspensions to 13 players and a lifetime ban for one as a result of its investigation into Biogenesis of America, a now-closed anti-aging clinic that allegedly distributed banned substances to players.
Three-time MVP Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees stands to receive the longest suspension. While 50 games is the standard for a first offense, the stiffer penalties for some players are tied to other alleged violations, including not being truthful to MLB investigators.
Three 2013 All-Stars could face bans: Texas outfielder Nelson Cruz, San Diego shortstop Everth Cabrera and Detroit shortstop Jhonny Peralta. In a sign Peralta's suspension might be imminent, the Tigers acquired shortstop Jose Iglesias from Boston on Tuesday night as part of a three-way trade with the Chicago White Sox.
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This news comes on the heels of last week's 65-game suspension for 2011 MVP Ryan Braun.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MLB SUSPENSIONS:
• Ryan Braun suspended rest of year
ESPN looks at the reaction to Braun's suspension.
• In Baseball vs. Rodriguez, a Show of Tough Posturing
"As Major League Baseball moves closer to suspending Alex Rodriguez for what it believes to be his involvement with performance-enhancing drugs, it has taken an increasingly tough stance in public. Baseball has conveyed its willingness to issue a lifetime suspension to Rodriguez and possibly to circumvent the usual appeals process that a player can normally use under the sport's Joint Drug Agreement." (The New York Times)
• Down Goes Ryan Braun
Daily Circuit guest Dave Zirin's writing on Braun's suspension.
• Chris Davis and others deal with fallout from baseball's steroid era
"Orioles' Chris Davis leads MLB with 37 homers at All-Star break, and some wonder if he's clean. Such is the legacy the previous generation left him and his peers." (Los Angeles Times)
• Brennan: Steroid cheaters should never make All-Star Game
USA Today sportswriter Christine Brennan argues that MLB needs the kind of strict drug suspensions imposed by the Olympics.
