In winter 2009, Yuri Sucart was unknown. When Selena Roberts and Sports Illustrated busted into Alex Rodriguez's past to find he had tested positive for steroids in 2003, the doors opened. In a statement at his spring training press conference/admission to guilt/apology, Rodriguez admitted a cousin helped him smuggle performance-enhancing drugs from the Dominican Republic into the United States during his time as a Texas Ranger from 2001-2003.
Sucart was later identified as the cousin and exposed.
Apparently, this did not stop Sucart from working with PEDs. On Tuesday, Sucart was one of nine individuals headed to federal custody. Anthony Bosch, who ran the Florida clinic Biogensis of America, reportedly reportedly surrendered to the Drug Enforcement Agency while Sucart was arrested on conspiracy charges involving distribution of anabolic steroids.
Bosch was accused in 2013 of providing PEDs to Rodriguez and other MLB players. All-Stars Ryan Braun, Nelson Cruz, Jhonny Peralta and Everth Cabrera were among those named and suspended as part of the scandal.
ARod cousin Yuri Sucart being led from DEA in Weston, Fl. Headed to federal courthouse in Miami. pic.twitter.com/hjXQCtAR5W
— T.J. Quinn (@TJQuinnESPN) August 5, 2014
An AP report says Bosch was charged with conspiracy to distribute steroids. Federal Court records deem Bosch charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute testosterone, but it is unclear if this is connected to the MLB scandal.
Rodriguez is suspended for the entire 2014 season, but his contract still runs through 2017. Although A-Rod turned 39 on July 27, the Yankees owe him $22 million in 2015, $21 million in 2016 and $21 million in 2017. Despite bitterness between the third baseman and Yankees management during the 11 years, the team could be stuck with him or at least eating the contract.
If he is looking for friendship and advice from cousin Sucart, Rodriguez will have to reach through bars.
-- Follow Jeffrey Eisenband on Twitter @JeffEisenband.
