Report: A-Rod isn't planning to sue MLB
Alex Rodriguez isn't planning a lawsuit if he loses the appeal of his suspension, a source told Newsday.
The source contradicted a report posted earlier Wednesday by TMZ.com that indicated the New York Yankees slugger plans to sue unless his entire 211-game ban is overturned.
Newsday's source said Rodriguez's legal team plans to wait out the entire appeal, which will be heard by arbitrator Frederic Horowitz before the end of the year, before determining the next step.
Rodriguez was suspended for his alleged involvement with Biogenesis of America, a former South Florida anti-aging clinic that supplied banned performance-enhancing drugs. While 12 other players were handed 50-game suspensions by Major League Baseball, and Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun received a 65-game penalty, Rodriguez was given a stiffer sentence because MLB asserted that he attempted to thwart its investigation.
TMZ.com reported that its source said MLB has no proof that Rodriguez interfered with the league's probe.
After sitting out all season while recovering from hip surgery and then a quadriceps strain, Rodriguez returned to action with the Yankees on Aug. 5, the same day his suspension was announced.
Rodriguez, 38, went 1-for-4 with a walk Wednesday in the Yankees' 11-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels. Through eight games, he is hitting .258 with one homer and four RBIs.
