X

Have feedback / suggestions? Let us know!

MLB New York Yankees

Truth About Alex Rodriguez Further Complicates New York Yankees’ Troubles

By

John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Some people just invite trouble. Case in point, New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez.

Last Thursday, Rodriguez, officially, once again became a member of the Yankees. Although he never officially left the team, he spent the 2014 season out of baseball while serving a suspension for violating the league’s drug agreement and labor contract.

Throughout his suspension, A-Rod repeatedly denied that he had used illegal substances. Although few people believed him, he maintained his innocence. Now it’s been confirmed that A-Rod has a little problem with the truth.

On Wednesday, in an article published by the Miami Herald, Rodriguez told federal agents and prosecutors that he had purchased and used performance-enhancing drugs from 2010 through 2012. Rodriguez testified to federal government back in January of 2014.

Back then, according to Rodriguez’s testimony, he bought his PEDs from an outfit called Biogenesis of America. A-Rod also testified that he paid $12,000 a month to Anthony Bosch, the owner and alleged doctor of the fake clinic known as Biogenesis.

Breaking the law and ignoring MLB‘s rules with pure arrogance is one thing, but going through each day as if he were accused of breaking the speed limit is another. The skies were never gray over A-Rod. He only managed to create a larger storm to weather.

During his days of enhanced performance, Rodriguez, a three-time American League MVP, even requested money from the team’s “petty cash.” This revelation should really enrage Yankees fans. It’s absurd that a person who signed a 10-year, $275 million contract would need to borrow a few bucks from his boss to feed his substance habit. Try that ploy the next time you walk into your supervisor’s office.

We also learned that Rodriguez implicated his cousin, Yuri Sucart, in his testimony. Sucart played the role of A-Rod’s middleman for a few years. Then, Sucart, after threatening to turn on A-Rod, was paid hush money by Rodriguez. Now Sucart faces a trial, where Rodriguez may be called to testify, with immunity. So much for family ties.

Let me stop here. We can talk about all of the legal scenery surrounding A-Rod for weeks, but why bother? Most importantly, in baseball terms, the Yankees have to figure out what to do with Rodriguez.

The team still owes Rodriguez, who will turn 40 years old on July 27, 2015, $61 million over the next three seasons. The Yankees escaped paying $22 million of Rodriguez’s $25 million salary last season.

It’s not likely that the Yankees can terminate his contract. They already tried that and failed. They can’t trade him because of money owed to him, his age and his diminished skills. Maybe the Oakland Raiders would take a chance on a character like A-Rod. Unfortunately for the Yankees, the Raiders are a football team.

The only thing the Yankees can do now is reload and wait for 2018. Perhaps along the way, maybe A-Rod can learn to act a little more like a model citizen.

The Yankees have enough troubles.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on