Alex Rodriguez's press conference wasn't shocking. It wasn't overwhelming. It wasn't any different than most people thought it would be, except for the fact that it was strangely compelling in a sociological way.He admitted to injecting the steroids (you can read most of the full quotes in our live blog of the press conference, by the way) and he obviously discussed the pressures of being a young athlete. But the weirdest thing, by far, was the shift in perception that seemed to occur throughout the press conference.
That's right: Alex Rodriguez somehow became more likable.
Perhaps that's just my opinion, but I don't think so; There is something distinctly refreshing about a baseball player coming forth with the details -- however vague -- of his scandalous behavior, and exposing them in front of 200-plus frothing reporters and the entire world on television.
That is not to say that I think A-Rod is all full of sunshine and cheer and goodwill. It's just that compared to Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, he at least provides a sliver of hope. And as much as everyone probably wanted him to fall on his face, he didn't. Instead, he took every question that was asked, thought about it carefully and responded as best as he could without stepping into a permanent quagmire of lies.
Yeah, there were instances that likely provoked plenty of sarcastic remarks and eye-rolling. Additionally, A-Rod actually owned up to taking "Ripped Fuel" (a now banned supplement) while he was in Seattle, an admission that is all but certain to prompt further inquiries down the road -- as will his semi-fumble of the Katie Couric interview question. A-Rod's response was that "when you're in denial ... it's hard to be honest with Katie," the presumption being the he can't tell the truth on national television if he's not being honest with himself.
So, yeah, there were "not great" moments, but I, surprisingly, am tending -- at least for the moment -- to side with Rodriguez in saying that this may have the effect of helping to clear his legacy and the let the baseball world move on.
A-Rods Controversies
After a report is released that he tested positive for steroids during his AL MVP campaign in 2003, Alex Rodriguez admits to injecting performance-enhancing drugs obtained in the Dominican Republic with the assistance of his cousin during his time as a Texas Ranger. 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
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-17-2009 @ 8:12PM
Joe said...
Agree with you. He human, he's an unbelievable athlete with or without help, he was young at the time, he seems to be contrite. The real test will be when the season starts, how his teammates react when he's around. You should be able to tell then if they are really behind him.
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2-17-2009 @ 8:21PM
dukesplacepme said...
Let's assume that they all have done steroids, make better tests, and move on...
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2-17-2009 @ 8:37PM
howmich3032 said...
give me a break, "i was young and nieve" he was 25 yrs old and in the big leagues 6 years, b.s. excuse if i ever heard one, does he think were all stupid
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2-17-2009 @ 8:42PM
robean753 said...
One good thing is Alex now knows he can be honest with himself...If this translates to him telling himself he doesn't have to be super hero on each at bat in the post season maybe he can relax and finally help the Yankees become winners again.
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2-17-2009 @ 9:45PM
Jason said...
Ripped Fuel is at any GNC. If that is banned now by MLB, then why are any of these products on the market. They are just for bodybuilders? Like there are so many bodybuilders that Ripped Fuel can survive as a company off them alone - sure.
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2-17-2009 @ 10:28PM
sgdbaty13 said...
We are all trying to hang on to days gone by. Baseball is no longer a sport, it is simply the entertainment business. Yankee Stadium is sold out every night, no different than if the Beatles were playing there. They did drugs to enhance there performance and people didn't care. We are kidding ourselves when we hold these athletes up to be something other than entertainers.
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2-18-2009 @ 8:22AM
Karen Lee said...
He knew what he was doing was wrong, period! Kids ten years old know steriods are bad for you and Alex cheated. Plan and simple. He should NOT be in the Hall of Fame. He should however, move on and learn a hugh lesson from this and tell kids to not follow his stupid mistake.
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