Baseball agents Sam and Seth Levinson, founders of the sports agency ACES, Inc. have just been cleared in an investigation by the Major League Baseball Players Association. It was determined that the agents did not have knowledge of steroid and other PED use by their clients at the Biogenesis clinic.
Between 2010 and 2012, 14 MLB Players traveled to the South Florida steroid clinic and received PEDs. Of the 14 players who were found to have used illegal substances supplied by the clinic, 13 had been represented by ACES at one point.
Juan Carlos Nunez, who worked for ACES, Inc. as a contractor assisting Spanish speaking players with translation and living arrangements, has admitted to bringing clients to Anthony Bosch, the convicted founder of Biogenesis. Nunez knew that the players were receiving PEDs there.
What was in question was whether or not the Levinson’s knew what was happening with their star players. Bosch claims that the Levinson’s had in depth knowledge that players represented by ACES were receiving illegal PEDs. In Bosch’s version of events, Nunez was a designated go-between. The Levinson’s painted Nunez as a rogue agent who acted on his own behalf.
There were inconsistencies in Bosch’s testimony to the DEA regarding meetings with the Levinson’s that were alleged to have occurred. The players union did not interview either Bosch or Nunez. Nunez was given 3 months in prison and 3 months of house arrest. Bosch received four years, and cooperated in both the federal investigation and the MLB probe.
Any allegations related to illegal drugs are serious, and whether in the professional sports world or elsewhere, can do serious damage to one’s reputation. A criminal lawyer can help you navigate such accusations.
Sources:
South Florida clinic operator says New York agents – now cleared – ‘all knew’ their players used steroids, Jay Weaver, 25 April 2015
MLB agents Seth and Sam Levinson cleared by union, MLB may seek to regulate agents, NEW YORK DAILY NEWS Bill Madden, Christian Red, Teri Thompson 28 April 2015