University of Miami at Heart of MLB Doping Probe

At least eight people—including the likes of baseball stars Alex Rodriguez and Ryan Braun—linked to a clinic under MLB investigation have something in common: They all have a history with the University of Miami. And that prompted the MLB to take a closer look at the university's esteemed baseball program and its ties to Biogenesis beginning last summer, reveals the New York Times. As the Times reports, investigators believe the school's program may serve as "a nexus of performance-enhancing drug use."

According to Biogensis' records, the clinic—which is near the university—provided players as well as Miami coach Jimmy Goins with banned substances. Gio Gonzalez, a Washington Nationals pitcher, calls Goins his "off-season strength coach." He has denied doping. But others tied to the clinic, including MLB catcher/former Miami player Yasmani Grandal and a University of Miami infielder, have been linked to PEDs. Rodriguez's connection? He attended high school in the state and planned to play at Miami but ended up going straight to the majors; in 2003 he donated $3.9 million to the school for the revamp of its stadium, now called Alex Rodriguez Park. The university says it's running an "intensive review" of the situation. (More baseball stories.)