A-Rod storms out of own grievance hearing, calls it ‘abusive process’
Alex Rodriguez has had enough of the grievance hearing that was filed in an effort to overturn his 211-game suspension for alleged violations of Major League Baseball’s drug agreement and labor contract.
After arbitrator Fredric Horowitz refused to order testimony from Commissioner Bud Selig, the New York Yankees third baseman reportedly slammed a table and cursed at MLB Chief Operating Officer Rob Manfred before leaving the room during the 11th day of hearings on the grievance filed by the players’ association.
A-Rod said in a statement he does not intend on returning.
“I am disgusted with this abusive process, designed to ensure that the player fails,†he said. “I have sat through 10 days of testimony by felons and liars, sitting quietly through every minute, trying to respect the league and the process.
“This morning, after Bud Selig refused to come in and testify about his rationale for the unprecedented and totally baseless punishment he hit me with, the arbitrator selected by MLB and the players’ association refused to order Selig to come in and face me. The absurdity and injustice just became too much. I walked out and will not participate any further in this farce.â€
Rodriguez’s attorneys remain involved in the process.
The Miami New Times reported in January that Rodriguez was one of several players who had bought human growth hormone and other performance-enhancing substances from Biogenesis from 2009 to 2012.
He was suspended by the league Aug. 5 for “use and possession of numerous forms of prohibited performance-enhancing substances, including testosterone and human growth hormone over the course of multiple years†and “engaging in a course of conduct intended to obstruct and frustrate the office of the commissioner’s investigation.â€
Rodriguez was allowed to continue playing while contesting the punishment.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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