Alex Rodriguez's determination to fight his suspension is about more than the $100 million left on his Yankees contract. It's personal and it's about his reputation, experts said today.

Rodriguez said before tonight's game this evening in Chicago that he was returning to 'prove to the Yankees and fans that I still have a shot to play the game at a high level. And I will do my best.'

'I am fighting for my life,' he said. 'If I don't defend myself, no one will.'

He added, 'I am thrilled and humbled to put on this uniform again.'

The former superstar was suspended today for 211 games, which would mean, if he loses his appeal, he would not be allowed to play the rest of this year and all of next year, a blow for a declining and increasingly injured player.

Rodriguez, 38, was the only player today to contest his suspension, although the 12 other players received milder disciplines of 50 games.

Although there is $100 million at risk in Rodriguez's punishment, he has already earned $187 million since signing with the Yankees according to an analysis of data on Spotrac, plus tens of millions more with the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners.

Despite the obvious wealth, he battled the league to return to the field tonight against the Chicago White Sox, even though he can expect boos for every time he swings and mi.