Alex Rodriguez vows to clear his name after doping ban

New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez has vowed to fight to clear his name after being banned for 211 games over alleged doping offences.

Rodriguez, who is the highest paid baseball player in the world, was hit with the suspension on Monday along with 12 other players over alleged doping offences.

The Yankees third baseman is refusing to lay down and accept the punishment, insisting he will fight hard to clear his name.

“Obviously, I’m disappointed with the news,” said Rodriguez.

“I’m sure there have been mistakes made along the way.

“I’m a human being. I’ve had two hip surgeries. I’ve had two knee surgeries.

“I’m fighting for my life. I have to defend myself. If I don’t defend myself no-one else will.”

Rodriguez was speaking after playing for the Yankees against the Chicago White Sox – his first appearance since being handed the ban.

He was booed throughout his run out with the majority of fans upset at his decision to carry on playing despite being banned.

The penalty comes after an investigation into a Florida based clinic and its relationship with several big name baseball players, amid ongoing allegations that it was supplying performance enhancing drugs.