A source with knowledge of the situation has told the media that the Yankees are looking into at least 20 different ways to void the remainder of Alex Rodriguez’s contract. The source did not go in depth with information but one route is by claiming A-Rod accepted treatment from a physician not authorized by the Yankee organization. A definite violation of his contract. Another option is to try to void the contract based on the drugs he purchased. Let’s not forget what A-Rod did was not only against the rules, it was illegal. Not only should he be out of a job, he should be doing 3-5 in a prison somewhere.
Does this all sound good so far Yankee fans? Don’t get too excited. The Yanks face an uphill battle. Although a situation like this should allow a team to void a player’s contract, it most likely will not. The way the MLB drug policy was written was so that a team could not get out of a contract just because of a steroid violation.
The truth is, the rewards out-weigh the risks of PED use right now. Mainly because the MLB can’t just do what they want. These players are in a union therefore the MLBPA must agree to the drug policy. Recently, the two sides did come to an agreement on a much stricter testing system. One that includes random in-season human growth hormone testing. However, until the punishments get more intimidating, you’re still going to have players taking a chance.
Currently, the rules are for the first infraction, a player receives a 50 game suspension without pay. After the second infraction, the player receives a 100 game suspension without pay. Finally, the third infraction results in a lifetime ban from baseball. Three strikes and you’re out. This policy was a step in the right direction but it’s not there yet. A better policy would have a player suspended a full season for the first infraction and receive a lifetime ban after just a second infraction. Furthermore, a team needs to be able to void the contract of any player found guilty of breaking the MLB drug policy. If these rules were adopted, players would think twice about cheating.
Getting back to the Yankees, though they face a tough task of voiding the contract. The attempt shows that they are done with Alex and want him off this team and there maybe a simple way out.
A-Rod already admitted to using PEDs between 2001-2003. Now with the evidence suggesting use from 2009-2012, it becomes pretty clear that Rodriguez is not confident in his own ability without the assistance of banned substances. So battling back from a hip injury now that his help is gone could prove to be a very daunting task for him. Also, the fans and media haven’t exactly been his biggest supporters recently and now with all this going on, it makes sense that the fans and media will be brutal towards him if he does come back. Who would be in a rush to face hostility like that?
If Alex simply retired, the Yankees would be off the hook for the remainder of A-Rod’s contract but he would not earn another penny. However, if he were to find a doctor who stated that he was suffering from a career ending injury, he could walk away from the game with his $114 million owed to him. The Yankees would have to pay him in full but they can then turn around and cash in on the insurance policy they have on the contract and make at least 85% of the money back. It’s a win-win situation that is not so far fetched.
Alex has disgraced the Yankees as well as Major League Baseball. It’s time the game moves on and this could be how it happens.
