Report: Yankees look to void Alex Rodriguez's milestone bonuses

The New York Yankees are looking to void milestone bonuses in Alex Rodriguez’s marketing contract and are prepared for a battle if Rodriguez files a grievance with the Major League Baseball Players Association

Author:
SI Wire
Publish date:
Jan 26, 2015

Rodriguez is set to receive a $6 million bonus if he hits his 660th career home run, tying him with Willie Mays. Rodriguez will enter the 2015 season with 654 home runs.

His marketing contract has Rodriguez receiving another $6 million if he ties Babe Ruth’s 714 home runs, $6 million if he ties Hank Aaron (755) and another $6 million if passes Barry Bonds (762) to become baseball's all-time home run leader.

Athletes and Celebrities in Yankees Hats

Dwayne Wade and Tim Tebow

Jennifer Lopez

Cristiano Ronaldo

Kim Kardashian

David Beckham

Kate Hudson

Kate Upton

Muhammad Ali

LeBron James

Anna Kournikova

Paul Simon

Serena Williams

Madonna

Jack Nicholson

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Minka Kelly

Billy Crystal

Beyonce Knowles

Jay-Z

Justin Bieber

Jim Spellman/WireImage for Clear Channel Radio

Hillary Clinton

Denzel Washington

Gabrielle Union

Hugh Grant

Kurt Russell

Macaulay Culkin

Ja Rule

Jason Mewes

Jerry Ferrara

J.R. Smith

Joseph Addai

LL Cool J

Melissa Joan Hart

Michael Rapaport

Queen Latifah

Russell Simmons

Adam Sandler and Chris Rock

Victoria Beckham

Fred Durst

Ashanti

James Gandolfini

Untitled Image — Jeff Christensen/Reuters

James Gandolfini tips his cap to the crowd after reading the farewell speech of Yankee legend Lou Gehrig as part of Project ALS Day prior to the New York Yankees game against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, NY. The Yankees won 10-2.

50-Cent

Snoop Dogg

Talib Kweli

Ray Romano

Tyrese

Fat Joe

Seneca Wallace

New York still owes Rodriguez $61 million over the next three seasons and has made it clear that the only way he can make the team out of spring training is as its designated hitter.

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According to the report, the Yankees view the bonuses as “worthless” because of Rodriguez’s year-long suspension for his involvement in the Biogenesis scandal. The Yankees also reportedly declined to meet with Rodriguez in his attempt to mend his relationship with the team.

The Yankees plan on arguing that Rodriguez signed the marketing deal under false pretenses because of his admitted use of performance-enhancing drugs.

- Scooby Axson