Recent reports about possible suspensions for star players make for splashy headlines and compelling talk radio.
They also threaten to harm the integrity of baseball’s Joint Drug Agreement, according to the MLB Players Association.
Reports continue to emerge about MLB’s attempts to suspend prominent players including Ryan Braun and Alex Rodriguez for their alleged involvement with the now-defunct Biogenesis clinic in Miami. MLBPA executive director Michael Weiner says the breaches of confidence are fundamentally unfair to players and interfere with the thoroughness and credibility of the ongoing investigation.
“These repeated leaks threaten to harm the integrity of the Joint Drug Agreement and call into question the required level of confidentiality needed to operate a successful prevention program,” Weiner said in a statement issued Thursday.
Weiner is not suggesting that MLB leaked the information, according to the MLBPA.
MLB reportedly seeks to suspend star players including Braun, Rodriguez and Melky Cabrera for their alleged connections to the clinic. Players suspended under the Joint Drug Agreement are not paid.
Weiner says the players are working alongside MLB to ensure that the sport is free of performance-enhancing drugs.
“The Players want a clean game and they demand a testing program that is not only the toughest in professional sports, but one that guarantees each player due process rights accompanied by strict confidentiality provisions,” Weiner said.
The MLBPA remains in contact with MLB as the Biogenesis investigation continues. Weiner expressed hope that fans will reserve judgment until the proceedings are complete.
“It would be unfortunate if anyone prejudged the results of the investigation based on unsubstantiated leaks that are a clear violation of the JDA,” he said.
MLB players have the right to appeal any suspensions. An arbitrator would likely rule over the hearings that would follow from appeals.
The process of issuing suspensions, submitting appeals and hearing cases could take multiple months.