New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez failed a drug test for stimulants in 2006, according to a report in the New York Times.
Alex Rodriguez tested positive for stimulant in 2006, per report
The New York Times published an exposé that revealed some new and unflattering information about Rodriguez and MLB.
Steve Eder, Serge F. Kovaleski and Michael S. Schmidt published an article on Sunday that reveals and confirms new information regarding the “cloak-and-dagger struggle” between Rodriguez and MLB. One of the biggest revelations from their story was Rodriguez’s alleged failed drug test.
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Two people involved with the league’s drug-testing program informed the reporters about the failed drug test. Rodriguez’s name was not publicly released at the time, since players only receive a suspension for stimulants if they fail more than one drug test.
One of Rodriguez’s representatives, Larry J. Davis, denied to the Times that Rodriguez failed the test. The embattled third baseman’s legal team has filed a complaint alleging MLB leaked false information about the case, reports Kevin Davidoff of the New York Post.
The report also discussed the support Rodriguez has received from the non-profit group Hispanics Across America during his appeal of his 211-game suspension. The HAA allegedly received an anonymous $100,000 donation contingent on the fact that they raise awareness about Rodriguez’s legal battle with MLB. Rodriguez spokesman Ron Berkowitz told the Times “Mr. Rodriguez and his associates had nothing to do with the donation.”
MLB has also engaged in questionable tactics, according the report. The league allegedly harassed Rodriguez’s trainer, knowingly purchased stolen evidence and had an investigator become intimate with a witness.
Jason Cohen of Pinstripe Alley unpacks the revelations found in the article, writing:
It’s hard to say what is true and what is false, but it seems MLB may have engaged in some questionable methods in order to uncover information about Alex Rodriguez. Despite this, it’s unknown whether or not these things are enough to actually change whether or not A-Rod is guilty of taking PEDs. If the arbitrator believes he was targeted unfairly, he could knock down the sentence, but it might not matter and if the evidence is against Rodriguez where it counts, the suspension could stand.
Rodriguez’s suspension hearing is on hiatus until Nov. 18. His side will present their defense of the third baseman; MLB finished its proceedings in October.
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