Alex Rodriguez and his lawyers are concerned that the Major League Baseball Players Association won't fight hard during the appeal process of his 211-game suspension.

Rodriguez's appeal is expected to begin on Sept. 30. The date may be pushed back if the New York Yankees make the playoffs.

Union chief Michael Weiner has publicly endorsed Rodriguez's decision to appeal the unprecedented doping ban and pledged his organization's support.

"We agree with his decision to fight the suspension," Weiner said in a statement on Aug. 5. "We believe 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."

Rodriguez's fears stem from comments Weiner made that his advisers believe suggest the union chief thinks the Yankee star is guilty of using drugs banned by baseball's joint drug program and deserves to be suspended.