Anthony Bosch, clinic owner in MLB doping scandal, sentenced to prison

Anthony Bosch, the onetime owner of a Florida clinic who admitted to supplying performance-enhancing drugs to Alex Rodriguez and other baseball players, was sentenced to four years in federal prison Tuesday.

Bosch’s sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Darrin Gayles after Bosch pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute testosterone in October.

Bosch had been seeking more lenient sentencing terms. Prosecutors said there’s a chance his sentence could be reduced if he continues to cooperate with investigators.

“This defendant was the most culpable in this conspiracy,� Gayles said during the sentencing as Bosch tried to hold back tears.

Gayles said Bosch falsely presented himself as a licensed doctor in order provide steriods to baseball players and other athletes. Gayles said he was most troubled by Bosch giving steroid injections to high school athletes.

“He was the mastermind,� Gayles said. “He was the one who recruited others to assist him.�

Bosch, who has been undergoing treatment for cocaine addiction, was accompanied by more than two dozen friends and family during his sentencing.

“I’m ashamed of myself. I’m remorseful,� Bosch said. “I can’t put into words how sorry I am.�

Bosch, 51, was the owner of Biogenesis, a clinic in Coral Gables which was closed in 2012. Several of his customers were baseball players and an investigation by Major League Baseball led to the suspensions of 14 players, including Rodriguez, in 2013.

Rodriguez was initially suspended 211 games, but the New York Yankees third baseman’s suspension was eventually reduced to 162 games.

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun was suspended 65 games for his alleged role, and 12 other players -- including All-Stars Everth Cabrera, Nelson Cruz and Jhonny Peralta -- were suspended 50 games by the league.

After Bosch’s operation was uncovered in a January 2013 story in the Miami New Times, he was sued by Major League Baseball. The league dropped its lawsuit when Bosch agreed to work with MLB investigators looking for links between players and his clinic.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.