NEW YORK — With MLB comminsoner Bud Selig handing down an unprecedented 211-game ban to Alex Rodriguez for his involvement in with the South Florida-based Biogenesis clinic, could the New York Yankees sue the former AL MVP for breach of contract?
One of 12 players linked to Biogenesis including Nelson Cruz of the Texas Rangers, Everth Cabrea of the San Diego Padres and Jhonny Peralta of the Detroit Tigers, Rodriguez’s unprecedented lengthy ban—which will run thru the end of the 2014 season, raises the question, should the Yankees look at possible legal action?
Per Wallace Matthews and Andrew Marchand of ESPNNewYork.com, the Yankees have explored numerous ways to void his deal since January. New York has a chance to void A-Rod’s deal in 2009 after his admission to PED use back in Texas from 2001-03, did the Yankees enable A-Rod, by continuing to honor his deal?
This is all theoretical at best, but in violation of MLB’s collectively bargained Joint Drug and Treatment Program, the Yankees may have grounds and probable cause to retain legal counsel and either try to recoup any monies owed, or find a way to void his ten-year $275 million contract, which runs thru 2017, with the Yankees owing him another $95 million.
With A-Rod planning on appealing, Rodriguez will be in the lineup tonight for the Yankees against the Chicago White Sox, but what happens after Thursday, when his 211-game suspension will officially go into effect?
If his suspension is upheld, the 38-year-old Rodriguez will be back in 2015—two years older at 40—and still have three years and $62 million. The question is, will the Yankees take him back, and will he be any good at that point.
While this is all mere theory and mild speculation, depending on how the appeal process and arbitration goes, do not be surprised if the Yankees could attempt such a legal maneuver, much to the delight of conspiracy theorists everywhere.
If this is indeed a conspiracy, and the Yankees want to find a way to weasel out of paying the rest of the ever-polarizing A-Rod’s mega-deal, they can be sure to send Selig a thank you card.
Robert D. Cobb is the Founder/CEO/Senior Editor-In-Chief Of The Inscriber : Digital Magazine, for questions, comments and concerns email me at robcobb@theinscriber.com follow me on Twitter @RC_TheInscriber and follow The Inscriber : Digital Magazine on Twitter at @TheInscriber