Volpe says MLB must show just cause in the appeal under the league’s collective bargaining agreement and joint drug agreement
Venable partner Mike Volpe was quoted in an August 5, 2013 USA Today article on Major League Baseball’s decision to suspend New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez for 211 games. Thirteen players, including Rodriguez, were suspended Monday for the use and possession of performance enhancing substances. Rodriguez has vowed to appeal his suspension and remains eligible to play until a ruling is handed down.
According to Volpe, Major League Baseball will have the burden of proof and must show just cause in the appeal under the league’s collective bargaining agreement and joint drug agreement. “These arbitrations are private,” he added, “but it appears on the face of these agreements that baseball will have the burden of proving a violation of both.”