Sep 6, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez (13) reacts in the 5th inning for his fly out against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports
In a move that could have far-reaching implications for Major and Minor League Baseball and its players, Biogenesis founder Tony Bosch has been detained by DEA officials, reports ESPN’s T.J. Quinn
BREAKING: Biogenesis founder Tony Bosch surrendering to DEA this morning, will plead to conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids.
— T.J. Quinn (@TJQuinnESPN) August 5, 2014
He was not the only person involved in last year’s scandal to be arrested.
Bosch being charged as part of DEA's "Operation Strikeout." Several other Biogenesis associates brought into custody this morning.
— T.J. Quinn (@TJQuinnESPN) August 5, 2014
Yuri Sucart, cousin of ARod, also arrested on conspiracy charges this morning as part of DEA's "Operation Strikeout."
— T.J. Quinn (@TJQuinnESPN) August 5, 2014
DEA source tells Outside the Lines 10 people arrested this morning, including Tony Bosch.
— T.J. Quinn (@TJQuinnESPN) August 5, 2014
News of the arrest comes exactly one year after Major League Baseball announced suspensions for 13 players, including Alex Rodriguez, for taking performance enhancing drugs at Bosch’s South Florida anti-aging clinic. At the time, Bosch reportedly cooperated fully with Major League Baseball’s investigation.
In addition to such name brand stars as Nelson Cruz, Johnny Peralta and Ryan Braun, minor leaguer outfielders Cesar Puello (Mets) and Fernando Martinez (Yankees), and relievers Sergio Escalona (Astros) and Jordan Norbeto (Athletics) were strapped with suspensions.
Although there will obviously be legal ramifications for the persons arrested today, the impact on the game of baseball remains to be seen.
According to Quinn, though, the names of at least 25 players appeared in documents from Bosch’s clinic, but only 17 players were suspended last summer. Major League Baseball was unable to procure enough evidence to discipline rest.
We may not know for some time, but the DEA’s investigation could uncover enough evidence to suspend the other eight players, if not more.
A year after baseball thought they had put the biogenesis scandal to rest, ten arrests could put it all back on the front page.