A-Rod To 'Monitor' MLB Drug Investigation
NEW YORK (AP) — Alex Rodriguez says he plans to keep tabs on developments in Major League Baseball's latest drug investigation — the one where his name keeps popping up along with several other stars.
And New York Yankees teammate Derek Jeter says he'll comment on the scandal after A-Rod does.
Rodriguez, an All-Star third baseman, was among several high-profile players linked to a Miami clinic called Biogenesis of America and its founder Anthony Bosch in a January report in the Miami New Times. Bosch agreed this week to cooperate with MLB's probe, which could lead to suspensions for Rodriguez, Ryan Braun, Melky Cabrera and others. MLB hopes Bosch will provide information implicating players in the use of banned performance-enhancing drugs.
MLB has already started interviewing players linked to Biogenesis.
"Myself and others are being mentioned in a media report before the process is even concluded," Rodriguez said Thursday in a statement issued by his new spokesman, Ron Berkowitz. "I will monitor the situation and comment when appropriate. As I have said previously, I am working out every day to get back on the field and help the Yankees win a championship. I am down here doing my job and working hard and will continue to do so until I'm back playing."
Rodriguez is recovering from the hip surgery he underwent in January and regularly works out at the Yankees' minor league complex in Tampa, Fla.
After The Miami New Times story was published, Rodriguez issued a statement through spokesman Terry Fahn saying: "Alex Rodriguez was not Mr. Bosch's patient, he was never treated by him and he was never advised by him. The purported documents referenced in the story — at least as they relate to Alex Rodriguez — are not legitimate."
Rodriguez did not stop to speak with reporters before or after Thursday's workout in Tampa, where there was heavy rain from Tropical Storm Andrea.
But Jeter did, saying he had spoken with A-Rod and that he seemed "fine," but wouldn't go into further details.
"You guys know what I'm going to say," the rehabbing Yankees captain said. "I do not comment on anyone's situation until they comment on it first. Let him speak about it first."
Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli, recovering from a broken hand, also was at the training complex. He said in February he consulted with Biogenesis after a foot injury but did not receive any treatment.
"I've got nothing" to add, Cervelli said.
Berkowitz is the latest in a succession of A-Rod publicists. His Berk Communications has a client list that includes Jay-Z along with many New York restaurants and night clubs
Rodriguez hired Richard Rubenstein, a son of New York public relations executive Howard Rubenstein, in 2009 around the time A-Rod admitted using PEDs while with Texas from 2001-03. After the Miami New Times report, Rodriguez switched to the Los Angeles-based Fahn of Sitrick and Co.
Earlier this year, Rodriguez hired Miami lawyer Roy Black, whose clients have included Rush Limbaugh and William Kennedy Smith. Jay Reisinger, a lawyer and agent for baseball players, is representing Rodriguez in MLB's probe. Reisinger was counsel for Andy Pettitte and Sammy Sosa during past congressional investigations into drugs in sports.
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