Steroids trial delayed from February to April for A-Rod cousin over health problems

MIAMI – A federal judge has delayed for two months the trial of a cousin of New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez on charges stemming from dealings with the clinic that illegally provided performance-enhancing drugs to baseball players.

U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga postponed the trial of Yuri Sucart from Feb. 9 to April 6 — the day the Yankees open at home against Toronto. Sucart’s lawyer said in a court filing that Sucart has serious health problems and can’t fully participate in his defence.

Prosecutors say Rodriguez would be a witness at Sucart’s trial.

Sucart is charged with conspiracy and distribution of testosterone and human growth hormone to MLB players and other athletes through the Biogenesis of America clinic operated by Anthony Bosch.

Rodriguez served a season-long suspension this year for violations of the drug program and baseball’s labour contract. He is owed $61 million by the Yankees during the final three seasons of his contract.