MLB To Reportedly Investigate University Of Miami In Light Of PED Allegations
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- In light of last week's troubling report that numerous major leaguers have ties to a performance-enhancing drug clinic in the Miami area, Major League Baseball has been taking steps to investigate the matter.
According to the New York Times, the league is now focusing on the University of Miami baseball team.
Investigators believe that there may be a connection between the university's baseball program and PED use, according to the newspaper.
Biogenesis is the clinic that allegedly supplied players -- including Alex Rodriguez, Ryan Braun, Gio Gonzalez, Yasmani Grandal and Francisco Cervelli -- with performance enhancers.
Braun and Grandal played for the University of Miami, and Gonzalez has been known to work out with Miami assistant strength and conditioning coach Jimmy Goins.
Most notably, A-Rod, a native of Miami, donated almost $4 million to the university in 2003. The money was used to renovate the ballpark, and it was renamed Mark Light Field at Alex Rodriguez Park.
Anthony Bosch, the head of the clinic, was first investigated by Major League Baseball in 2009.
The New York Times reported that league investigators have been looking into the university's ties with the Biogenesis clinic since last summer.
Public relations firm Sitrick and Company released a statement on behalf of Rodriguez, denying the 14-time All-Star's involvement with the clinic.
"The news report about a purported relationship between Alex Rodriguez and Anthony Bosch are not true," the statement said. "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."
Braun also came out with a statement declaring his innocence.
"During the course of preparing for my successful appeal last year, my attorneys, who were previously familiar with Tony Bosch, used him as a consultant," Braun said. "More specifically, he answered questions about T/E ratio and possibilities of tampering with samples. There was a dispute over compensation for Bosch's work, which is why my lawyer and I are listed under 'moneys owed' and not on any other list. I have nothing to hide and have never had any other relationship with Bosch.
"I will fully cooperate with any inquiry into this matter."
Cervelli said that he will answer any and all questions from reporters on Wednesday.
Do you think that the University of Miami baseball program had ties to the Biogenesis clinic? Sound off with your thoughts and comments below...
