Despite the fact that New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez is expected to be suspended any day now by Major League Baseball for his possible connection to a Biogenesis clinic in Miami, A-Rod told Sports Illustrated that he still wants to be a role model.
"Look, it's concerning," Rodriguez said according to the magazine. "I have two daughters at home, and I'm sensitive to that, and above all, I want to be a role model, continue to be a role model -- especially to my girls."
Rodriguez, who hasn't played a game yet this season after recovering from hip surgery, is expected to hear from MLB soon about a possible150-game suspension or lifetime ban from the sport for violating the MLB's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. It has been reported that the evidence that the MLB has against A-Rod is "overwhelming."
Rodriguez is one of as many as 20 players that could be hearing from the league soon regarding a suspension due to their connection with Anthony Bosch, founder of the Biogenesis anti-aging clinic who is accused of dealing the PEDs to the players. The clinic has been shut down.
A-Rod has denied any association with the allegations, but it is expected that the MLB may suspend him sometime this week for a length of time that isn't yet known. A-Rod's current deal with the Yankees runs through the 2017 season, and the slugger is still owed around $100 million. If Rodriguez is suspended, the Yankees are expected to save around $7.5 million.
Rodriguez has denied any connection to the clinic and is expected to combat any suspension that's handed down to him, and will go through an appeals process, according to his lawyer.
"I'm not giving up," Rodriguez said to Sports Illustrated. "I have tremendous faith, and hopefully there's a couple more chapters to this book. And hopefully there's a happy ending somewhere. I have faith."
While MLB could very well suspend the third baseman in accordance with its drug policy rules, it may try to suspend him under its collective bargaining agreement. If this happens, A-Rod won't be able to delay his suspension during the time he appeals the case.
Rodriguez insists that he wants to be seen as a role model, but it appears the controversial figure's days in the league could be numbered.
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