Biogenesis scandal

Biogenesis Scandal

The Biogenesis scandal was a major doping scandal in Major League Baseball (MLB) that came to light in 2013. It involved the Biogenesis of America clinic, an anti-aging clinic in Coral Gables, Florida, which was accused of supplying performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) to numerous professional baseball players.

Background

Biogenesis of America was founded by Anthony Bosch, who claimed to be a doctor but was not licensed to practice medicine. The clinic purported to offer anti-aging treatments, but it was later revealed that it was a front for distributing banned substances, including human growth hormone (HGH) and testosterone.

Investigation

The scandal broke when the Miami New Times published an article in January 2013, based on documents obtained from a former Biogenesis employee. These documents listed several MLB players as clients of the clinic, implicating them in the use of PEDs.

Key Figures

• Alex Rodriguez: The most high-profile player involved, Rodriguez was accused of purchasing and using PEDs from Biogenesis. He initially denied the allegations but was later suspended for 211 games, which was reduced to 162 games after an appeal.
• Ryan Braun: The 2011 National League MVP, Braun was also implicated and accepted a 65-game suspension.
• Other players included Nelson Cruz, Jhonny Peralta, and Everth Cabrera, among others.

MLB's Response

MLB launched its own investigation into the allegations, which was separate from any criminal investigation. The league sought to interview players and obtain documents related to Biogenesis. In August 2013, MLB announced suspensions for 13 players, ranging from 50 to 211 games, based on their involvement with the clinic.

Legal Proceedings

Anthony Bosch cooperated with MLB's investigation and later pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute testosterone. He was sentenced to four years in federal prison in 2014.

Impact on Baseball

The Biogenesis scandal was one of the largest doping scandals in MLB history and led to increased scrutiny of the league's drug testing policies. It highlighted the ongoing issue of PED use in professional sports and prompted MLB to strengthen its drug prevention and treatment program.

See Also

• Mitchell Report
• BALCO Scandal
• List of Major League Baseball players suspended for performance-enhancing drugs

References

• "The Steroid Scandal: Biogenesis and the Fall of A-Rod." Sports Illustrated. Retrieved from [1]
• "Biogenesis of America: The Clinic at the Center of Baseball's Latest Doping Scandal." Miami New Times. Retrieved from [2]