Bud Selig on Biogenesis investigation: 'I'm proud of it'
Alex Rodriguez is one of the MLB players who could be suspended as part of the league's Biogenesis investigation. (Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig said Tuesday that he was proud of the league's investigation into the anti-aging clinic Biogenesis, which allegedly provided players with performance-enhancing drugs, according to tweets by The Los Angeles Times' Bill Shaikin.
The Miami New Times first reported that the South Florida clinic provided PEDs to players. Those implicated, including Alex Rodriguez and Ryan Braun, have denied the allegations, but MLB's investigation is expected to result in significant suspensions.
Tony Bosch, the owner of the now-closed clinic, reportedly agreed to cooperate with the league. A report from ESPN's Outside the Lines said that officials could suspend around 20 players, including Rodriguez and Braun, after the All-Star break. Shaikin reported on Twitter that it's unlikely those suspensions would be announced this week.
Rodriguez's lawyer last month called the investigation "despicable" and said the evidence the league acquired was "tainted."
“The conduct of Major League Baseball with the Tony Bosch investigation is despicable, unethical and potentially illegal,” David Cornwell told USA TODAY. “Paying for evidence. Offering to pay for evidence. Intimidating witnesses. One thing we know: that evidence is unreliable. "
Major League Baseball Players Association president Michael Weiner said Tuesday that because the investigation falls outside the league's drug testing policy, the penalties aren't governed by the normal rules. Weiner suggested that as a result, the investigation and appeals process could last months longer.
Last week, the MLBPA criticized leaks in the case. The MLBPA's initial statement was read by many as implicating the league, and the group later added a second statement clarifying that it wasn't accusing MLB officials of leaking information to the media.
Selig denied the league's involvement on Tuesday.
