Unlike the manner in which Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds have handled things, Rodriguez owned up to his mistakes and apologized.
Among the things Rodriguez used as reasons for his transgressions were the pressure to perform up to the lofty standards of his gargantuan contract, and the culture of the league at the time.
During his apology, Rodriguez said he was young, stupid, negligent and naive at the time that he took the juice, and he regrets his choices.
A-Rods Controversies
Days after a report that he tested positive for steroids during his American League MVP campaign in 2003, superstar Alex Rodriguez admits to using performance-enhancing drugs during his time with the Texas Rangers from 2001 to 2003. Click through to find out more about A-Rod's checkered past.
Chris Carlson, AP
Former manager Joe Torre's recently released book, 'The Yankee Years', included details of A-Rod's tumultuous stay with the Yankees. In the book, Torre claims A-Rod was known by teammates as "A-Fraud" and paints him as mentally fragile.
Ezra Shaw, Getty Images
Rodriguez's decision not to play for the United States at the upcoming World Baseball Classic put him in the middle of another firestorm. A-Rod chose to join David Ortiz's Dominican squad over the nation of his birth.
Kena Betancur, AP
There have also been rumors that Rodriguez dated pop star Madonna, with numerous reports of the two spending time together.
Jim Rogash, Getty Images
In May 2007, many called this slide into the Red Sox's Dustin Pedroia to break up a double play dirty, as part of the heated Red Sox-Yankees rivalry.
Nick Laham, Getty Images
He filed for free agency during Game 4 of the 2007 World Series, drawing the ire of fans and officials. Some accused A-Rod of trying to grab the spotlight as the Yankees' big rivals were closing in on their second title in four seasons. He later re-signed with New York.
Jim McIsaac, Getty Images
The New York tabloids had a field day after the Yankees star was allegedly caught with a "mystery blonde" at the end of May of 2007. The woman was later identified as an exotic dancer, and his wife filed for divorce from him just over a year later, citing his infidelity.
New York Post
Things have been frosty for A-Rod and Derek Jeter since Rodriguez dissed his buddy by saying Jeter was "never your concern" when facing the Yankees.
Tony Gutierrez, AP
Despite being named AL MVP (48 homers, 130 RBI) in 2005, Yankee fans called out A-Rod by saying many of his homers came in meaningless situations.
Morry Gash, AP
A-Rod's awkward slap that knocked the ball from Bronson Arroyo's glove in the 2004 ALCS enhanced his reputation as a player who folded in the clutch.
Amy Sancetta, AP
Amazingly, Rodriguez admitted to using for a three-year period. Most people just claim they only used it once, so you have to give credit to A-Rod for being so honest. Rodriguez claims to have not taken anything illegal since he's been playing for the Yankees, as this steroid use occurred when he was on the Texas Rangers. I think one thing that's interesting to point out is that his numbers have not suffered since he's (presumably) been clean.
We're still sure to see a storm of media venom in Rodriguez's direction, because he's one of the best players in the league. I hope they keep in mind that Andy Pettitte, Brian Roberts, Jason Giambi, and a few others have cried mea culpa and have been left alone -- for the most part -- afterwards. A-Rod deserves the same treatment, as he was actually man enough to own up to his mistake.
UPDATE: Here's a video of the excerpt.
Also on FanHouse:
Alex Rodriguez Accuses Selena Roberts of Stalking Him
A-Rod's Confession Is Solid Move
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 6)
2-09-2009 @ 3:11PM
sergeantruss said...
How can anybody have more respect for a cheater. Does anybody believe he would have confessed if the word hadn't gotten out? He tested dirty in 2003. This is six years later, so don't think this cheating A-hole owned up to anything on his own. He is a cheat and should be banned from baseball and the hall of fame along with every other cheater. The records should be stricken from the books for everyone who used the juice. They are ruining all sports with their cheating.
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2-09-2009 @ 3:31PM
nyyrocks said...
Sergeantruss, wouldn't that mean that you think that everybody who used steroids should be banned from the sport? I agree with you. He cheated, and he never would have admitted it if word didn't get out. However, he was man enough to come out and own up to it. He didn't pull a clemens or mcguire or bonds and deny deny deny deny even when all the evidence is against them. If you banned everyone who used steroids, there wouldn't be a lot left in the sport. I do think the Yankees should suspend him, or fine him, or something, but to ban him, that is a little harsh. For more check out my blog at http://yankeesfever.blogspot.com/
2-09-2009 @ 4:10PM
dedicated0707 said...
Hey sergeantruss who that F*** are to judge him. Are you god or someone that looks like him. Everyone in there life has done something that makes them feel ashamed of themselves or had made a mistake in which they are a shame of and he did that back in 2003. Most of that baseball player back them took steroids. Why because it was NOT illegal NOW kind of penalty. and that is in his past ok i agree with you that he should not be in that hall of fame for that but. why destroy his carrier just for that or why be so hard on him for something that he did when he was young. look at yourself firth and them point fingers. Also give him credit for admitting that he did it. not like some other one that are still going to court because of that fact that don't want to admit what they did in there pass.
2-09-2009 @ 7:51PM
Me64250 said...
Like you've never, ever done anything wrong, illegal or cheated. Your're nothing but a condescending hypocritcal blogger.
2-10-2009 @ 2:40PM
Bob said...
pay attention he did deny using on 60 minutes in 2004
2-09-2009 @ 3:27PM
roger34652 said...
Oh well...he admitted useing(after he got caught) and now everything is wonderfull(especially for Yankee fans)and of course he is telling the truth now....because he is such a family man(prostitutes).....and loyal(Madonna) and has integrety?(Curic)...so now eveyone can just believe the man is wonderfull and his 2003MVP award was legit especially since it was because of pressure to perform.Oh happy times are here again another great Yankee performer has told the truth(after getting caught) so the baseball world is wonderful....and New Yorkers thought (Belacheat)as you call him is a PHONEY.
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2-09-2009 @ 3:32PM
Wade said...
I don't respect him any more or less today than I did last week. Not all players were using the last 15 years, but enough were that I'm not shocked by this at all. As far as his admission, he made the right move. I'd imagine his PR people showed him videos of Clemens and Bonds over the last few years and convinced him it is much easier to admit it and try to move on.
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2-09-2009 @ 3:40PM
jody said...
Amazing...people actually give Rod credit for admitting something that was unquestionable true. Where is the valor in that? A-rod along with a host of others has ruined the authenticity of America's game. If Babe had taken PED the HR record would be 900. As a track and field fan and a baseball fan I can tell you that PED add an enormous advantage over a clean athlete. since 1976 Track has insisted on drug testing, albeit with mixed results. But if you look at the drug records compared to "clean" performances the difference is shocking. I am really in a funk about these revelations as I suspected this a long time ago but was literally laughed at by other writers and people in the media. I was told in 1995 that there has not been a clean Olympic 100 meter finals since 1960. All of this stuff has been in the bottom drawer for years. I don't know what to say but I don't believe in superstars, Rodriguez, Lance Armstrong, Bonds, Phelps and others whom are guilty but not yet caught, perhaps never to be snared. As a former athlete I have to admit nothing is worse than beaten by a drug cheat whom is later revealed. You have to know that baseball is no more guilty than NBA, NFL, FIFA, PGA, ATP, IAAF. PED's not only make you stronger but improve so many other elements in the physical realm. Don't let you babie grow up to be cowboys or athletes. I remember in the 70's my brother and his friends were taking all kinds of things for strength he recently died, age 50.
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2-09-2009 @ 3:39PM
Ken said...
Being a BoSox fan it's not easy to cut A-Rod some slack...but it's called for this time. People make mistakes...gentlemen admit them and move on.
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2-09-2009 @ 3:48PM
xpurgation said...
Look, he did more than just banned substances
http://www.theweeklydonut.com/index.php/2009/02/07/afraud
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2-09-2009 @ 3:49PM
Carl said...
Respect him? The only reason he fessed up is because he got caught. Remenber that Katie Curic interview he didn't seem to remorseful then. As a matter of fact his attitude was that "I am too good to need that stuff" Don't give me that we should take it easy on him shit. Her lied first remember that. What would have happened if he wasn't outed. He would have continued to lie. No wonder he couldn't bash Barry Bonds in that interview, he was doing the same thing.
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2-09-2009 @ 3:52PM
bigflyer said...
A-Fraud is a lying, cheating, overpaid prima donna who chokes in the clutch.
The stupid Steinbrenners must pay him inflated dollars for the next 9 years.
Good for them, I hope he continues to stink in the post season. It could not happen to a more deserving bunch of self involved egotisitical creeps all.
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2-09-2009 @ 3:59PM
Hello RKO said...
HEY! AT LEAST HE COULD LEAD A TEAM BETTER THAN OBAMA. HE KNOWS WHEN TO HIT HOME RUNS AND BE A TEAM LEADER! THAT'S WHY HIS TEAM DEPENDS ON HIM FOR BIG PLAYS AND HOME RUNS! HE DIDN'T NEED STEROIDS TO MAKE THOSE PLAYS! LOOK AT HIS YEARS ON THE YANKEES TEAM BEFORE AND AFTER HE HIT THE 500. YOU DON'T SEE OBAMA DOING THAT! HE JUST USES THE GOVERNMENTS MONEY!
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2-09-2009 @ 5:28PM
hatrick said...
A-Roid is only capable of leading the Yankees to the toilet.
Another one bites the dust...
2-10-2009 @ 9:44AM
Cheryl said...
Are you insane? Depend on him in big games? What Games have you been watching. You can't depend in him for shit. The roids explain it. When you need him, he's never there. He gets credit for winning games, when he strikes out everytime he's up. He's never taken one for the team. He has never been a team player. He's only out for himeself. The Yankees will never see a ring as long as A-Slug is there. He's over paid, overrated. As for owning up to the use, he was asked by Couric if he ever used or would use and he said "NO". He got caught and he's a cheat. I am a Yankee fan - always have been, he's an inbarassment to NY. Sweet Lou loves him - let Sweet LOu have him.
2-10-2009 @ 2:38PM
grannydeville said...
How in the world do you connect Obama to A-Rod? What a silly comparison. A-Rod confessed to his errors...good for him. But as a baseball fan this has saddened me. And I can't help but think of the message this sends to our kids, esp if he goes unpunished.
2-09-2009 @ 4:00PM
demzrdopes said...
so you have to give credit to A-Rod for being so honest. ?? say what? katie couric asked him in '04 if he ever used any performance enhancing drugs, and he flat out said NO. the best thing to come out of all this mess is that Hammerin' Hank Aaron is back on top where he belongs..
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2-09-2009 @ 4:07PM
overunder06 said...
So will the University of Miami baseball stadium be named A-Roid Stadium ?
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2-09-2009 @ 4:11PM
dedicated0707 said...
Very Funny A-H
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2-09-2009 @ 4:22PM
dedicated0707 said...
What Amaze me that most is that fact that so many people point finger and care. I bet more than half of that people who are talking BULL S***. about Alex had use steroids,smoked weed. All of you that judge and talk are hypocrites.
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