MLB COO Rob Manfred testifed against Alex Rodriguez on Thursday. Manfred, who led the investigation that brought down the South Florida Biogenesis clinic, and resulted in 12 players accepting suspensions despite never having tested positive, holds key testimony for the MLB.
Manfred is on the three person panel, representing the league. Baseball arbitrations are considered informal processes. According to the New York Newsday (HERE) "Legal experts view the potential testimony by Manfred as unusual. 'Rules of evidence would prohibit a hearing officer from testifying at his own hearing,' New Jersey attorney John Furlong said. 'If he does testify, it speaks volumes to the lack of adherence to a semblance of evidence protocol.'"
Let's face it, Manfred testifying seems a little weird. Manfred is the best candidate to take over when Bud Selig retires. He also led this investigation, and can benefit from having ARod's suspension upheld. Considering that ARod is technically a first time offender, without a positive test result, it is very likely that the suspension will be over turned, or dramatically reduced. It wouldn't look good on Manfred's resume.
The only comments that Manfred had after testifying was to call New York Senators "ill-informed" (HERE). The comments came after a few politicians stated that Selig was being discriminatory, and should step down after this ARod fiasco. I can't speak for anyone else, but I cannot herald Selig, and the MLB as heroes after they spent so many years turning a blind eye to steroid usage. When it was good for baseball, they closed their eyes, and pretended it didn't exist. I'm not upset that they are trying to put a stop to it, I'm upset it took them so long.
Stay tuned to BYB as we bring you more information on the ARod case as it is released.
--Erica Morales BYB Senior Writer
Twitter: @e_morales1804
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