Decision on Alex Rodriguez drug suspension expected imminently

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jan/11/alex-rodriguez-drug-suspension-decision-expected

Version 0 of 1.

Alex Rodriguez is likely to find out in the next few days whether his drug suspension will be overturned.

People familiar with the case told the Associated Press on Friday that the arbitrator Fredric Horowitz could issue his decision this weekend. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because no statements were authorised.

The New York Yankees third baseman, a three-time AL MVP, was suspended for 211 games on 5 August by the Major League Baseball commissioner, Bud Selig. The penalty was given for alleged violations of the sport's drug agreement and labour contract and followed an MLB investigation of the Biogenesis of America anti-ageing clinic, which was accused of distributing banned performance-enhancing drugs.

The Major League Baseball Players Association filed a grievance saying the disciplinary sanction was without "just cause".

Horowitz, MLB's independent arbitrator, heard the case over 12 sessions from 30 September until 20 November. The sides submitted briefs last month.

Rodriguez's lawyers have threatened to go to federal court in an attempt to overturn a decision not to their liking. The supreme court has given judges little leeway to alter arbitrator's rulings.

Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning.