A-Rod Allegedly Failed 2006 Drug Stimulants Test: Should MLB Give Him A Lifetime Ban?

New York Yankees’ third baseman Alex Rodriguez and his lawyer Joe Tacopina, left, arrived for a hearing in September. Rodriguez and his legal team are trying to appeal an MLB-imposed 211-game suspension. (Ángel Franco/The New York Times).

On Monday morning, the New York Times published a report alleging that New York Yankees' third baseman Alex Rodriguez, A-Rod, failed a stimulants test in 2006. A-Rod and his legal team have been trying to appeal MLB's 211-game suspension, issued on Aug. 5., in court since Sept. 30.

This is not the first time that A-Rod has been in the media spotlight for the wrong reason.

On Feb. 10, 2009, A-Rod told ESPN MLB analyst Peter Gammons that he took performance-enhancing drugs, PEDs, from 2001 to 2003. A-Rod signed a 10-year, $252 million contract with the Texas Rangers on Dec. 11, 2000 and he his worst season was in 2003: 47 home runs, 118 Runs Batted In, RBI, 17 stolen bases, and a .298 batting average.

On Aug. 5, MLB commissioner Bud Selig issued suspensions to A-Rod and 13 other players in connection with the Biogenesis lab. Selig told the media during a press conference that the players who were issued suspensions used PEDs.

A-Rod and his legal team have vehemently denied the suspension imposed by MLB, which has led to an appeal case in court since Sept. 30. If A-Rod is found guilty of taking PEDs, then it will be the second time he has taken them.

Things might have changed for A-Rod on Monday morning. The New York Times issued a report alleging A-Rod of failing a drug test for stimulants in 2006, according to ESPN.com. 

In 2006, A-Rod hit 36 home runs, drove in 121 runs-RBI, stole 15 bases-stolen bases, and had a .290 batting average. He had been with the Yankees since Feb. 17, 2004. when they acquired him in a trade with the Texas Rangers

If the New York Times' report is proven factual, then A-Rod could receive a lifetime ban.  Selig could use the MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program lists to suspend A-Rod at least 100 games, if he decides to investigate the claims in the New York Times' report.

According to ESPN.com, A-Rod's appeal of the suspension is on hiatus until Nov. 18. On Nov. 18, the defense will present their case, MLB finished presenting their case in October.