Alex Rodriguez to challenge charge of multiple PED violations

A-Rod’s attorney, David Cornwell, said in a radio interview with WFAN on Tuesday that he and the rest of the legal squad plan to fight the charge that A-Rod used banned substances over “multiple years,” which MLB is apparently using to justify Rodriguez’s 211-game ban.

Rodriguez was handed his lengthy suspension Monday, Aug. 5, which was followed two days later by an official appeal from the Players Association. The case will eventually be heard by an independent arbitrator -- Frederick Horowitz -- who will listen to the arguments of both A-Rod’s lawyers and MLB, and then decide whether to uphold the league’s ruling or adjust Rodriguez’s punishment.

When exactly the appeal will be heard remains up in the air. Cornwell stated that he and his team plan to pore over the league’s evidence for more than 20 days, but added they had yet to even request the documents. He added that this was not a case of them attempting to delay the proceedings, rather that they are “driving it forward.”

Cornwell also asserted that the rumors of a plea deal with MLB which would have asked A-Rod to accept an 100-game suspension and retire in exchange for recouping his remaining salary “did not happen.”

Rodriguez, who is allowed to play until his appeal has concluded, has seven hits in 30 plate appearances since returning to the Bombers last week. He had a double and two RBI in Tuesday’s blowout of the Angels.

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