Alex Rodriguez: MLB To Seek Lifetime Ban, According to Report
By Ty Duffy
USA Today is reporting that MLB wants to ban Alex Rodriguez from baseball for life under the “conduct that is materially detrimental or materially prejudicial to the best interests of baseball” clause.
"In banning Rodriguez for life Selig could invoke Article XII (B) of the CBA, which states: “Players may be disciplined for just cause for conduct that is materially detrimental or materially prejudicial to the best interests of baseball, including, but not limited to, engaging in conduct in violation of federal, state or local law.” MLB will contend that, in addition to lying about performance-enhancing drug use, Rodriguez lied to MLB officials while attempting to sabotage their investigation, according to one of the people."
If the report is correct, this is a weird decision. The lifetime ban is unlikely to hold up, with a vague, rarely used clause. Instead of adding finality to the story, it seems destined to embroil MLB in a protracted legal battle that will inflame it further.
Perhaps MLB is making a good faith effort to get the Yankees off the hook for his contract?
[Photo via USA Today Sports]