Alex Rodriguez is suing MLB and Commissioner Bud Selig over what he called a “witch hunt.” The lawsuit was filed on Thursday in New York State Supreme Court by A-Rod’s lawyers.
The suit alleges that Selig and Major League Baseball sought to smear A-Rod’s reputation and “gloss over” the commissioner’s past inaction over performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).
Lawyers added that Selig hopes to use the Yankees third baseman to redeem himself. They explained, “Taking down Mr. Rodriguez would vividly demonstrate that Commissioner Selig had learned from the errors of his previous explicit or tacit tolerance of steroid use.”
Matthew Monte, a spokesman for MLB, told reporters that the league has no comment on A-Rod’s lawsuit against it. The suit was filed as Alex Rodriguez appeals a 211-game suspension for violating the league’s drug agreement and labor contract.
The suspension came after an investigation into the Biogenesis of America anti-aging clinic, which allegedly provided PEDs to Rodriguez and other MLB players.
A-Rod’s lawsuit accuses the MLB and Selig of planting negative stories about the baseball player in the news and attempting to drag his name through the mud.
The Yankees player commented on the lawsuit in a statement to USA Today Sports , saying, “The entire legal dynamic is very complex, and my legal team is doing what they need in order to vindicate me and pursue all my rights.”
Rodriguez went on to say, “This matter is entirely separate from the ongoing arbitration. I look forward to the arbitration proceedings continuing, and for the day to come when I can share my story with the public and my supporters.”
The suit also claims that the league paid $150,000 in cash for stolen records about A-Rod’s involvement with the clinic. It adds that the MLB allegedly paid the former head of Biogenesis $5 million “to buy his cooperation” in the case.”
A-Rod’s suspension has cost him two potential sponsors and the lawsuit contends his monetary loss could be tens of millions of dollars.
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