Source: MLB considering A-Rod suspension that could trigger lifetime ban
(CBS News) NEW YORK -- Major League Baseball has notified the players' union which players it intends to suspend. It's unclear how many will be affected, but the game's highest-paid player, Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees, is expected to be among the hardest hit.
Rodriguez worked out in Tampa Wednesday, recovering from an injury that has kept him off the field all year. With the suspension looming, the only question now is if he will ever play again.
A Major League Baseball team executive told CBS News the commissioner's office is considering suspending Rodriguez for using performance-enhancing drugs and also violating the league's "integrity of the game" policy. Violating that policy could carry a lifetime ban.
"It is believed by baseball, at least, that he actively obstructed this investigation," said ESPN investigative reporter T.J. Quinn, who first reported the story in February. "They have looked into charges that he tampered with witnesses, that he tried to get documents, possibly have them destroyed. If they've got the evidence to back that up, that adds a whole other element to this case."
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In an interview with Sports Illustrated out Wednesday, Rodriguez, the league's highest-paid player, seemed hopeful about his future.
Watch: Source: A-Rod faces stiffer penalty than Braun, below.
"I'm not giving up," he said. "I have tremendous faith, and hopefully there's a couple more chapters to this book, and hopefully there's a happy ending somewhere."
Sports Illustrated Managing Editor Chris Stone said Rodriguez has never tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs, which could lessen his punishment on appeal.
"I don't think the players' union is going to lay down and accept a lifetime ban for one of their players," Stone said.
Earlier this week, an attorney for Rodriguez said he will fight any suspension by the league. The other players will face a minimum 50-game suspension. An announcement is likely by Friday.
