Report: MLB prepared to ban A-Rod for life, suspend eight others

MLB is preparing to ban New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez for life. (Getty Images)

Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig is preparing to ban New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez for life before the weekend, USA Today reports.

MLB also plans on suspending about eight others, although no announcement is expected until at least Thursday or Friday.

Rodriguez's attorney, David Cornwell, said earlier this week that his client will appeal any suspension, no matter how long the ban is.

The other eight players are expected to receive 50-game bans, and most are considering accepting the discipline without appealing.

But ESPN reported late Wednesday night that Rodriguez and MLB are negotiating a possible suspension after the league was given evidence to support the charge that Rodriguez interfered with the investigation.

As many as 15-20 players were originally linked to Biogenesis, a South Florida clinic that MLB investigated for providing performance-enhancing drugs.  Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun has already been suspended without pay for the remainder of the season for his link to the clinic.

VERDUCCI: End of A-Rod's career may be nearing, but new questions are arising

More from USA Today:

Rob Manfred, Major League Baseball executive vice president of labor relations, informed the Major League Players Association officials on Tuesday of their findings and suspensions. The players and their representatives will decide whether they will file an appeal or accept the penalties, which would all but end their regular season with barely 50 games remaining. Texas Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz, Detroit Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta and San Diego Padres shortstop Everth Cabrera are also likely to face suspensions because of their involvement with Biogenesis.

Rodriguez, who used performance-enhancing drugs from 2010-2012, according to Biogenesis documents, has never been punished for doping. Players who violate the drug policy are subject to a 50-game suspension.