Alex Rodriguez Banned for 211 Games

In quite possibly the biggest scandal to hit the sport ever, Major League Baseball has just announced that the 13 players it has been investigating for alleged doping offences have been suspended with New York Yankees third baseman, Alex Rodriguez suspended for a whopping 211 games - effectively ruling him out for this season and next. The other 12 players who were given 50-game bans are:

Nelson Cruz, Texas Rangers
Jhonny Peralta, Detroit Tigers
Everth Cabrera, San Diego Padres
Francisco Cervelli, New York Yankees
Antonio Bastardo, Philadelphia Phillies
Johnny Valdespin, New York Mets
Jesus Montero, Seattle Mariners
Fernando Martinez, New York Yankees
Cesar Puello, New York Mets
Sergio Escalona, Houston Astros
Fautino de los Santos, San Diego Padres
Jordan Norbert, free agent

In addition, former MVP and Milwaukee Brewer, Ryan Braun received a 65-game suspension - that has already started and he is out of baseball until next season.

The MLB has had its flings with drugs with some high profile names like Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds all admitting drug use but this is the biggest mass announcement yet.

Detroit Tigers' Jhonny Peralta - one of their stars as they made the World Series last year

The biggest names involved are obviously A-Rod, Nelson Cruz and Jhonny Peralta - all three have been key players for their respective teams and while A-Rod has been somewhat out of the picture due to a persistent knuckle ball injury sustained last season, the absence of Cruz and Peralta may impact their chances as we head towards the World Series.