Morning Shows Run With Reports On Possible A-Rod Lifetime Ban

MLB reportedly could announce a lifetime ban for Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez as soon as today, and all three network morning shows included the impending news among their top stories of the day. “CBS This Morning” led off its broadcast with news on the possible suspensions for Rodriguez and several other MLBers tied to the Biogenesis clinic, while both NBC’s “Today” and ABC’s “GMA” made it their second story. NBC's Ron Mott and CBS' Don Dahler both reported live outside Yankee Stadium (THE DAILY).

NBC's Matt Lauer said Rodriguez's lawyers stated they have "plans to appeal" a suspension but also noted he spoke with "people who are close to his camp who say it's going to be more than just an appeal.” Lauer noted they are "ready to wage full-scale war" against MLB and "perhaps even the New York Yankees." Lauer: "We have not heard the last of this" ("Today," NBC, 8/1). But ABC's Paula Faris noted Rodriguez' "reps are now negotiating a possible plea deal which would still lead to a lengthy suspension" ("GMA," ABC, 8/1).