"The accepted suspensions announced today are consistent with the punishments set forth in the Joint Drug Agreement, and were arrived at only after hours of intense negotiations between the bargaining parties, the players and their representatives. For the player appealing, Alex Rodriguez, we agree with his decision to fight his suspension. We believe that the commissioner has not acted appropriately under the Basic Agreement. Mr. Rodriguez knows that the union, consistent with its history, will defend his rights vigorously."

MLB Players Association executive director Michael Weiner

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"I think when you see these penalties that people realize that if they're thinking about doing something they shouldn't, I would think that this would set the standard that you don't want to do it."

Tigers General Manager Dave Dombrowski

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"I made an error in judgment that I deeply regret, and I accept full responsibility for that error."

Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz

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"In the spring of 2012, I made a terrible mistake that I deeply regret. … I promise to do everything possible to try and earn back the respect that I have lost."

Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta

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"The penalties are a joke. If these players were in the Olympics or USA Track and Field, for example — the gold standards of testing — each player's first major finding like this would cause a two-year ban — a real penalty. Fifty games is less than a third of a season. These guys will be back for the playoffs! Baseball is not serious."

Former Clinton administration drug policy spokesman Bob Weiner

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"We are compelled to address certain reckless and false allegations concerning the Yankees' role in this matter. The New York Yankees in no way instituted and/or assisted MLB in the direction of this investigation; or used the investigation as an attempt to avoid its responsibilities under a player contract; or did its medical staff fail to provide the appropriate standard of care to Alex Rodriguez."

Statement from the New York Yankees

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"Today is a sad day for MLB, the fans of this great game, and all players who may have been negatively affected by others' selfishness. Ultimately, although today will be a day of infamy for MLB, it is a tremendous step in the right direction for the game we love."

Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria, on his Twitter account.

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"Not surprised by the names, it surprises me that people keep trying. … If you keep trying to do something wrong, sooner or later they're going to get you. That's my point. So I don't want to do nothing wrong in baseball because maybe they want to catch me."

New York Yankees outfielder Alfonso Soriano