Watch CBS News

On 'Letterman,' Bud Selig Hints At Bans In Biogenesis Probe

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig knows whether Alex Rodriguez will be suspended in the sport's latest performance-enhancing drugs scandal.

He's just not saying -- yet.

On "Late Show with David Letterman," Selig opened up about MLB's investigation into Biogenesis, the Florida anti-aging clinic accused of supplying PEDs to some of baseball's biggest stars.

Selig wouldn't budge Monday when pressed about A-Rod, who could get a lengthy ban despite denying ties to the clinic. However, the commish admitted to Letterman that he knows whether the Yankees third baseman faces suspension.

Here's the entire exchange:

David Letterman: "What's going to happen to Alex Rodriguez? Is he ever going to play for the Yankees?"

Bud Selig: "Only time will tell. We're in the midst of a very thorough and tough investigation on all of this, because I really believe that it's not only the right thing to do, but we're going to do it. And that's all I can tell you."

DL: "And now let me ask you this. On his side of things, isn't there a sum of money that's at stake here if he doesn't play again this season?"

BS: "That's going to be between him and the New York Yankees. There is, yes."

DL: "And that sum of money is incalculable?"

BS: "No, it's not incalculable. I, um..."

DL: "It's over $100 million?"

BS: "It's over $100 million. And it's been calculated by everybody, yes."

DL: "I don't know how this works. The Yankees will figure out something? Is he one that might be suspended?"

BS: "I'd rather not say who..."

DL: "You know, don't you? I can tell you know."

BS: "I do. I do. I do. The answer is I do."

DL: "And how many players will be affected by the upcoming suspensions? We believe that after the All-Star Game there will be a reckoning. Am I right about that?"

BS: "At some point in the future."

DL: "And how many are we talking about?"

BS: "We don't know yet. We don't know yet."

DL: "More than a dozen or less than a dozen?"

BS: "We don't know. I'll say this, you are persistent."

Some have speculated that Selig might attempt to ban A-Rod for life. With his history of injuries, even a 100- or 150-game suspension could mean the end of Rodriguez's career. He's currently playing rehab games following offseason hip surgery.

The 37-year-old will have four years and $86 million left on his contract with the Yankees after this season.

Selig was in New York for the upcoming All-Star Game at Citi Field.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.