Alex Rodriguez Suspended by MLB Until 2014 for Alleged Drug Use, Plans to Appeal 211-Game Ban

New York Yankees baseball star remains eligible to play until appeals verdict Is rendered

Don't plan on seeing too much more of A-Rod (aka Alex Rodriguez) at Yankee Stadium.

On Monday, the 38-year-old third baseman was suspended from playing Major League Baseball until 2014. This 211-game ban would be effective Aug. 8, 2013 and last through the end of 2014's season. A-Rod is, however, appealing the ban and is eligible to play until an appeals verdict is rendered.

"I am disappointed with the penalty and intend to appeal and fight this through the process," the athlete said in a statement. "I am eager to get back on the field and be with my teammates in Chicago tonight [in game against White Sox]. I want to thank my family, friends and fans who have stood by my side through all of this."

And Rodriguez is not alone: He's one of 13 MLB players who received some kind of suspension from the game Monday for their alleged ties to Biogenesis, a now-closed anti-aging clinic in Florida which allegedly supplied banned performance-boosting substances to players. Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers received a suspension lasting 65 games, and everyone aside from him and A-Rod received a suspension of 50 games.

MLB commissioner Bud Selig said in a statement: "As a social institution with enormous social responsibilities, baseball must do everything it can to maintain integrity, fairness and a level playing field…We are committed to working together with players to reiterate that performance-enhancing drugs will not be tolerated in our game."

As for the Yankees? The team issued a statement saying they are "in full support of Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.," but also "recognize and respect the appeals process."

"Until the process under the Drug Program is complete, we will have no comment," the statement continued.

That said, the Yankees felt "compelled to address certain reckless and false allegations concerning the Yankees' role in this matter," stating that the team "in no way instituted and/or assisted MLB in the direction of this investigation; or used the investigation as an attempt to avoid its responsibilities under a player contract; or did its medical staff fail to provide the appropriate standard of care to Alex Rodriguez."

—Additional reporting by Lindsey Good