Major League Baseball suspended Alex Rodriguez for 211 games for violating the league's drug policy. He plans to appeal.  
The New York Yankee player had previously admitted that he had used performance-enhancing drugs when he was with the Texas Rangers in 2001-03.

MLB said "Rodriguez's discipline under the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program is based on his use and possession of numerous forms of prohibited performance-enhancing substances, including testosterone and human growth hormone, over the course of multiple years."

In addition, his discipline "under the basic agreement is for attempting to cover-up his violations of the Program by engaging in a course of conduct intended to obstruct and frustrate the Office of the Commissioner's investigation."

The following players also received 50-game suspensions without pay and don't plan to appeal the decisions:
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Antonio Bastardo;
San Diego Padres shortstop Everth Cabrera;
New York Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli;
Texas Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz;
Padres pitcher Fautino De Los Santos, who is currently on the roster of the Double-A San Antonio Missions of the Texas League;
Houston Astros pitcher Sergio Escalona, who is currently of the roster of the Double-A Corpus Christi Hooks of the Texas League;
Yankees outfielder Fernando Martinez, who is currently on the roster of the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders of the International League;
Seattle Mariners catcher Jesus Montero, who is currently on the roster of the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers of the Pacific Coast League;
Free agent pitcher Jordan Norberto;
Detroit Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta;
New York Mets outfielder Cesar Puello, who is currently on the roster of the Double-A Binghamton Mets of the Eastern League; and
Mets infielder/outfielder Jordany Valdespin, who is currently on the roster of the Triple-A Las Vegas 51s of the Pacific Coast League.

BET Sports News - Get the latest news and information about African-Americans in sports including weekly recaps, celebrity news and photos of your favorite Black athletes. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. 

 (Photo: Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)