Alex Rodriguez To Sue MLB If 211-Game Suspension Is Not Dropped

When Alex Rodriguez was slapped with a 211-game suspension for the use of performance-enhancing drugs, there wasn't a player, coach or fan of baseball who thought A-Rod would not appeal the league's decision.

Able to play while he has his official appeal submitted, the New York Yankees third baseman is once again making headlines since he reportedly indicated that he'll take Major League Baseball to court if they do not completely remove the lengthy penalty.

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According to TMZ, the 38-year-old All-Star feels "persecuted" by the league's decision and noted that he will sue the MLB if his suspension is not entirely taken off the table.

The driving force behind A-Rod's potential action is the fact that the 2009 World Series champion has not tested positive for PED use and never knowingly took illegal substances since 2003.

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TMZ sources say A-Rod has been drug tested 11 times between 2011 and the present ... and all of the results were negative.

TMZ sources fume it's absurd Ryan Braun, who reportedly tested positive in 2011 and then lied about it, was only benched for the duration of this season.

They say it proves MLB's investigation of A-Rod and the Biogenesis Clinic has been "abusive and borderline illegal."

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Baseball is penalizing Rodriguez for using banned substances over the course of multiple years, something his attorney David Cornwell told ESPN recently is an absolute fallacy and those in A-Rod's corner plan on fighting all the way.

"We are challenging that there are multiple violations of the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program," he said.

In six games this season -- Rodriguez recently came back from a minor league rehab assignment -- the third baseman is hitting .273 with 1 home run and 2 RBI's. He'll continue to play with the Yankees while he appeals the recent 211-game penalty.

Currently five games out of the Wild Card in the American League, the Yankees could certainly use Rodriguez's bat as they look to make a push toward the postseason despite numerous injuries this season.