Following lengthy arbitration, Alex Rodriguez has been suspended for 2014 Major League Baseball (MLB) season, plus the play-offs.  This is due to his use of use of performance enhancing drugs.  Initially, he was suspended for over 200 games, plus the play-offs.  He immediately appealed the MLB’s decision to suspend him, which allowed him to finish out the 2013 season.

This is not the first time Rodriquez has had issues with drug use.  MLB had to admit that he had tested positive in 2003 for steroid use.  Rodriquez also acknowledged that he had used Steroids.

After the announcement of the arbitrator’s decision, Rodriguez announced that he would be taking the issue to the Federal Courts.

I believe that it is time for Rodriguez to accept that he has been caught cheating and accept his punishment.  As for as I am concerned Rodriguez needs to be banned from baseball.  I honestly do not believe that using performing enhancing drugs is acceptable at all, and this is not the first time that Rodriguez has had issues with drug use.

Pete Rose may have bet on baseball, but there has never been any evidence that he bet against his own team.  Yet Rose is banned from baseball and cannot be placed in the Hall of Fame where he deserves to be.  If Rose should not be in the Hall, nor be allowed to have an active role in baseball, then surely Rodriguez certainly deserves a similar fate.

So, as far as I am concerned Rodriguez got off easy with the one year suspension.  He should just accept and not embarrass himself any more by fighting the suspension in the Federal Courts.

Sources:

A-Rod’s ban reduced to 162 games
A-Rod admits, regrets use of PEDs