Alex Rodriguez Suspension 2013: 'No Scientific Evidence' Against A-Rod in Biogenesis Scandal, Says Lawyer
The ongoing story of Alex Rodriguez's connection to performance enhancing drugs took yet another twist this week as the Associated Press reported that Major League Baseball asked the 38-year-old slugger to publicize the evidence used to suspend him for 211 games.
A-Rod's attorney, Joseph Tacopina, said he received a letter from MLB executive vice president Rob Manfred in which Manfred requested that Rodriguez's confidentiality rights be waived.
Rodriguez and his attorneys declined all requests by MLB to make the information public. The information Manfred wanted to publicize included all drug tests, all of Rodriguez's previous violations, and all documents that show whether Rodriguez obstructed MLB's investigation.
Tacopina released a statement on Monday: "The letter was nothing more than a cheap publicity stunt. The letter that was addressed to my law office with the words 'Via Hand Delivery' on top was in fact never delivered to my office but was instead given to the 'Today' show, which in and of itself is yet another violation of the confidentiality clause of the JDA. They know full well that they have to address the letter to the MLBPA and such a waiver would require the MLBAPA to be party of the agreement and signatures. It's nothing but a theatrical trap hoping I would sign knowing that I couldn't and in fact would have me breaching the JDA agreement if I did."
Rodriguez has played in 12 games for the Yankees this season while he appeals the suspension. He is hitting .319 with two home runs, including a walk-off on Sunday night. He will likely play for the rest of the season since his appeal is not expected to be heard by an arbitrator until November.
Tacopina believes his client will eventually win the appeal, saying, "They have no scientific evidence to prove that Alex Rodriguez did anything to violate" MLB's drug policy.
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