Alex Rodriguez’ career in baseball will not be void of issues pertaining to his previous steroid use. A week ago, his name took the headlines again when a newspaper reported that his cousin, who supplied him with steroids years ago, was seen in the Yankees hotel. The MLB immediately conducted a brief investigation on the matter because Yuri Sucart, A-Rod’s cousin, was banned by the league in any team facilities. Although the league has learned that Sucart did not violate the restrictions imposed on him, they will still monitor his dealings with Alex Rodriguez.

A-Rod Defends Dealings with Cousin

In an interview with the media, A-Rod disclosed that he was not contacted by the league or by the Yankees about the incident. He said that his cousin is not violating the restrictions. “There’s no rules that are being broken. He stays at his own place, the team is fully aware. He’s not on the team bus, he’s not on team planes, he’s not in the clubhouse, he’s not in the stadiums, so we’re complying with all the rules,” A-Rod told the media.

The Yankees third baseman assured the public that he knows his responsibilities. On the other hand, he can’t prevent baseball fans and the league to doubt his dealings with Sucart. The presence of Sucart in the hotel lobby where the Yankees team stayed was not the first instance A-Rod meets his cousin.

The baseball slugger admitted that his relationship with his cousin is still normal. He even admitted that Sucart is working for him but declined to give details to the media. “He’s been with me since I was born and I love him very much and he’ll be around for many, many years, long after I’m done playing baseball,” A-Rod added.

A-Rod’s Treatment by Canadian Doctor Still Investigated

Coming clean about his steroid use does not spare Alex Rodriguez from the league’s steroid watch list. In the midst of Sucart’s visit to Yankees hotel, the Times reported that the league and federal authorities are still investigating his dealings with Dr. Galea, a Canadian doctor charged with illegal HGH treatment and possession of unapproved drugs in the US.

Dr. Anthony Galea is currently cooperating with federal investigators for a plea deal agreement. There were reports that the doctor may change his previous statements in exchange for lighter penalty. That may include implicating professional athletes whom he treated with human growth hormones and other unapproved medical treatments. Currently, Galea is facing 5 charges of distributing performance enhancing drugs.

A-Rod admitted that he was one of the patients of Dr. Galea but denied that he was treated with HGH. Dr. Galea became famous for his platelet rich plasma therapy which facilitates recovery from injuries. Many professional players availed this treatment. However, federal authorities are looking into the possibility that they were also treated with HGH, a banned drug in professional sports.

MLB Wants to Get A-Rod’s Medical Records

It was revealed that the league asked for the medical records of Alex Rodriguez from the Canadian doctor. Though A-Rod gave them permission, the league wasn’t able to get a copy of those records. In the statement given to the NY times, the lawyers of A-Rod said that their client is cooperating fully with the on-going investigation. “Alex fully cooperated with Major League Baseball and federal authorities in Buffalo regarding his treatment with Dr. Galea, including granting a release of his medical records,” they said.

“Regarding matters before the grand jury, strict secrecy rules do not permit us to comment,” the lawyers added.

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