MLB and MLBPA statements on Alex Rodriguez's 162-game suspension

Major League Baseball issued the following statement after arbitrator Frederic Horowitz announced that he had reduced Alex Rodriguez's suspension from the 211 game ban issued by MLB in August to 162 games:

"Arbitrator Frederic Horowitz has notified both Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association of his ruling that New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez will be suspended for a period that includes 162 regular season games in the 2014 regular season as well as the entire 2014 postseason.

"For more than five decades, the arbitration process under the Basic Agreement has been a fair and effective mechanism for resolving disputes and protecting player rights. While we believe the original 211-game suspension was appropriate, we respect the decision rendered by the Panel and will focus on our continuing efforts on eliminating performance-enhancing substances from our game."

Read Alex Rodriguez's full statement

Below is the statement from the Major League Baseball Players Association:

"The MLBPA strongly disagrees with the award issued today in the grievance of Alex Rodriguez, even despite the Aribtration Panel's decision to reduce the duration of Mr. Rodriguez's unprecedented 211-game suspension. We recognize that a final and binding decision has been reached, however, and we respect the collectively-bargained arbitration process which led to the decision.