When will he apologize to philly for his juiced bat in to 2009 world serie?
AFraud
1
In my mind, ARod's downfall was his inability to find his moral compass and not follow the advice of hangers on, who in turn got him involved in PEDs, preyed on his ego and paranoia, and convinced him to follow ill advised legal strategies. Contrast him to Jeter, who always seemed to stay on the right path, with his parents and his upbringing a constant beacon. I don't know much about ARod's life growing up, and certainly people who had negative influences have been able to rise above and distance themselves from it. So on this occasion, ARod has spoken the truth...it's all his fault.
This man makes my skin crawl.
1
I am really tired of all the self-righteous indignation about A-Rod using PEDs and then lying about it. As if other ballplayers are using or have used are not being prosecuted. I attribute A-Rod being singled out to his huge contract and to the animus to him by Joe Torre.
My question is why the three sages of baseball, Joe Torre, Tony LaRussa and Bobby Cox never saw, heard or talked about drug or PED use with all their years in the locker room and how their convenient ignorance entitles them to go into the Hall of Fame.
My question is why the three sages of baseball, Joe Torre, Tony LaRussa and Bobby Cox never saw, heard or talked about drug or PED use with all their years in the locker room and how their convenient ignorance entitles them to go into the Hall of Fame.
Alex Rodriguez should be in jail.
1
And if the Yankees win it all this year, this will all be forgotten......
Not true.
1
I don't even believe this is his handwriting.
1
dear mr Steinbrenner;
please excuse a-rod for he is out of his mind
signed,
mrs a-rod
please excuse a-rod for he is out of his mind
signed,
mrs a-rod
1
Sadly, most (if not all) of the anger, animosity, and outrage directed at Rodriguez by the Yankee and baseball fan base will immediately be forgotten if and/or when he produces meaningfully on the field.
What a sad state of affairs with regard to our values as human beings.
What a sad state of affairs with regard to our values as human beings.
1
Somehow, I do not believe him, and am under the impression that he does this out of convenience. He reminds me so much of Lance Armstrong.
Here's what's wrong with this country:
An ESPN article by Ian O'Connor is teased on their MLB homepage with this line:
"Talk is cheap. At this point, the bottom line for Alex Rodriguez is that he needs to hit."
In other words, apologize all you want, but we will only believe you if you play well. Well, at least this guy admits to feeling this way. Most people just act like they don't.
Same problem with Lance Armstrong. Nobody in charge at US cycling or at the Tour was willing to turn on Lance while he was still making money for them. But the second these leeches couldn't profit off of him anymore, they turned on him, saving themselves in the process, and profiting a second time, this time as victims.
An ESPN article by Ian O'Connor is teased on their MLB homepage with this line:
"Talk is cheap. At this point, the bottom line for Alex Rodriguez is that he needs to hit."
In other words, apologize all you want, but we will only believe you if you play well. Well, at least this guy admits to feeling this way. Most people just act like they don't.
Same problem with Lance Armstrong. Nobody in charge at US cycling or at the Tour was willing to turn on Lance while he was still making money for them. But the second these leeches couldn't profit off of him anymore, they turned on him, saving themselves in the process, and profiting a second time, this time as victims.
2
More sad than anything else. So much athletic talent, so little ability as a person to deal with that talent. I doubt that his talent, his money, or his fame brought him happiness, and cannot imagine him being happy now.
3
I accept his apology. Now let's play ball and finally win!
1
All I could think of reading this letter was how its so like something Lance Armstrong would write. Then I remembered the days when Armstrong and ARod were admired for their achievements in their sports. How far they have both fallen, and both through their own plotting and unmasking by others. There is something of a Shakespeare tragedy in both of their stories - but we have learned much about the drugs used in secret to prop up even healthy athletes, so there is much to learn from their falls from grace, as much as from their glory days.
4
He speaks the truth when he states that he is sorry. He is a sorry excuse for a Yankee. He is a sorry excuse for a "professional". He is a sorry excuse for a fraud and is responsible for a long-term, systematic effort to lie to everyone, cheat against other players while stealing money and opportunities from his team owners, teammates, and competitors. Everyone at Yankee Stadium should stand up, turn their backs to him and give him the silent treatment if and when A-Fraud walks to the batter's box for the first time this season.
4
I don't know-he seems pretty good at the fraud thing to me..
2
A-Rod and Lance Armstrong should become a political powerhouse.
1
A-Rod has NEVER:
Been arrested
Beat his wife
Abused his kids
Been accused of any sexual harassment or assault
Been stopped for DUI, DWI, or even reckless driving
Assaulted an unruly fan
Been accused of using any ILLEGAL drug
So he's not a likable guy. That's his crime.
Been arrested
Beat his wife
Abused his kids
Been accused of any sexual harassment or assault
Been stopped for DUI, DWI, or even reckless driving
Assaulted an unruly fan
Been accused of using any ILLEGAL drug
So he's not a likable guy. That's his crime.
2
...but he cheated and make millions out of it. Millions that should have gone to other, more deserving, players. *I* think that's fraud and *I* think he should serve a jail sentence for it.
Eli Wallach just rolled over in his grave.
1
You mad bro? Legality does not equal to morality. He also violated his contract through the use of PEDs. I don't think he deserves jail-time, but he certainly should not be enshrined in the Hall of Fame or recieve my admiration. You can give him yours if you like; It is still a free country.
Another faux "apology" right out of the media spinster consultant's handbook? And as convincing as the ones by HSBC and various other sleazy banksters...
Isn't everyone, especially sports fans, utterly and totally sick of this guy?
Isn't everyone, especially sports fans, utterly and totally sick of this guy?
2
...as well as sick of the "apologies" along with the requisite, "...and I accept full responsibilitiy for my actions."
2
If you get the chance, visit him now - he could possibly end up in jail. Or in poverty, which is unlikely.
And to think he could have shared air-time with Lance Armstrong.....same story, slightly different details. But not by much except money received.
1
He apologizes for "mistakes." What mistakes?
He knowingly took PED, that is not a "mistake."
He knowingly took PED, that is not a "mistake."
Ahoy, AROID!~the best apology would be to just quit, already, & free up the $60million for the Yankees to spend on useful talent, thereby making us, the fans you apparently care so much about, VERY HAPPY! You could walk away from the $$$$$ & display some class for the first time in your miserable, lying & cheating career. Love,the TROGDOR!
2
Two messages to Alex: 1. We stopped caring about you a long time ago. 2. If you're really, really, really sorry, don't tell us, show us. I know of sixty million ways...
4
How do the Yankees reconcile the punishment of Rodriguez in light of Lance Armstrong's complete collapse? Did he ever lie under oath? What kind of example does this set for younger athletes? Why not donate all of his ill-earned salary to a testing program to better detect the use of PEDs. This is such a travesty and in my mind is typical of the behavior of the NY Yankees over the years.
Sorry, but this is not an apology. The first rule of apologies is admitting you did something wrong. Taking "full responsibilities for the mistakes" is not nearly the same thing. It may have been handwritten, but it was dictated by a lawyer.
5
How long before some phony handwriting "expert" to goes on CNN and says that the loops in his g's and y's show someone who is pompous, arrogant, and not really sorry at all.
2
I am no A Rod fan but I accept his apology and am now ready for another World Series ring
2
Now the Yanks can make a run at 6th place.
6
Steve Eder's NYTimes story of Jan. 13, 2014 (accompanying today's story about the judge sentencing Anthony Bosch to four years in federal prison) describes A-Rod's quite significant doping schedule, as set forth in the arbitrator's decision suspending him for last season. His apology sounds like he was the unknowing in-between who delivered the stuff from Bosch to A-Rod. The best result Yankee fans could hope for would be that Chase Headley plays a spectacular third base and hits well; Beltran hits a ton from both sides of the plate as a dh; the Yankees come up with a right fielder who can throw like the wind and hit some; and good old Alex hits about 0.140 in spring training and keeps pulling muscles trying to beat out slow rollers to short in spring training and on the road (nothing serious but just enough to keep him off of the field), so that he never sets foot on the playing field of Yankee Stadium during a game, and is on the dl for most of the year. And the Yankees are surprisingly competitive. A win-win for all--even for Alex the coward, who was so afraid of trying to play without his drugs that he lost the only thing his talent and hard work alone would have brought him--his good name.
3
Yeah. It would be nice to see some fresh young players making the Yankees competitive and giving us something to look forward to in coming seasons. Instead the key word is all of this is "marketing" - you don't have a team play, you market players to a market, not to fans of the team.
Meanwhile now Alex will pass Mays for HRs? could be that his homers are all legit, but who knows anymore? Pete Rose is not in the Hall of Fame but has the most hits ever. Barry Bonds has the most homers ever in a career and he and before him McGwire broke Maris' record for homers in a season.
How to restore some authenticity to baseball records?
I think MLB needs Henry Aaron as commissioner of baseball to restore some sense of trust.
Meanwhile now Alex will pass Mays for HRs? could be that his homers are all legit, but who knows anymore? Pete Rose is not in the Hall of Fame but has the most hits ever. Barry Bonds has the most homers ever in a career and he and before him McGwire broke Maris' record for homers in a season.
How to restore some authenticity to baseball records?
I think MLB needs Henry Aaron as commissioner of baseball to restore some sense of trust.
Expensive P.R. firm to yankee management: "we will make it look like alex wrote the apology himself in script, it will look more sincere"
2
Well if that's the case they did a poor job. There are no little hearts over his i's.
2
Aren't even the most die-hard Yankees fans finally and unequivocally sick of this born liar/cheater? He simply can't help himself. There's no place in major league baseball for any more of this nonsense.
7
Look at Steinbrenner. They will forgive A-Rod if he hits .290/35/100
Couldn't agree more. This guy abused drugs multiple times, cheated on his wife multiple times, caused tension among other players multiple times, etc. I'd say he's been given every chance possible and he just can't get out of his own way ... and it doesn't appear that he cares. The person(s) I feel most sorry for are his children. What a crappy Father and role model they ended up with. Hopefully his ex-wife has been successful in finding a decent man who will look after them, love them, and help them grow up to be honest good people. i find it particularly sad with all the "important" issues in the world, that anyone would actually waste their time and money on professional sports any more. Its become a huge joke ... if its not someone abusing drugs, they are beating up their spouse. I stopped watching or attending any professional sports years ago ... and my life seems just fine without this sort of bush league entertainment.
He was talented but because of his own insecurities, he tarnished his reputation just for a few more lousy home runs.
I can't wait for this era of AROID to be over and done. He's like a boil on the butt of the Yankees!
I can't wait for this era of AROID to be over and done. He's like a boil on the butt of the Yankees!
4
not really sorry, but really got caught.
Even talented sociopathic people deserve another chance, but I fear that working out and playing baseball are two different things. I am doubtful that Alex Rodriquez can overcome his absence from real pitching and his aging body to play at star level ever again. At some point, it is no longer a matter of desire.
1
Better he should apologize for failing in the clutch plays and at bats. He's an arrogant second-rate player and the Yankees should have simply terminated his contract.
I'd much rather see my team finish in the second division without him than win the series with him.
I'd much rather see my team finish in the second division without him than win the series with him.
1
In 2009, in 15 playoff games, Alex Rodriguez hit .365 with six home runs and 18 RBI. Despise him if you want to--and clearly, you want to--but at least get your facts straight.
2
Likely juiced the entire season; meaningless statistics.
In order to identify great, we need examples of nor so great for comparison. Thanks Alex, for showing us that Jeter is great.
3
Quite a moral ballet the Yankees are performing here. They tut-tut as Alex Rodriguez begins his walk-of-shame comeback only HOURS after the team announced it will be retiring the number and putting up a monument to Andy Pettitte, another admitted cheat. If the Bombers are as nimble on the base paths as they are with the ethics scale, another playoff in the Bronx isn't so far off.
1
He seems to have mastered the use of the passive voice. Has he even acknowledged his willful use of performance enhancing drugs? Either way, he should be banned from the Hall. Pete and him can start a support group.
2
"mistakes" ?
1
Generating compassion for ARod is kinda tough. But I can't help but notice that he's getting killed in comparison to some other offenders.
How about Andy Pettite? For some reason, everyone took his "I smoked but never inhaled" defense at face value. He's getting a ceremony at Yankee Stadium and is considered a borderline HOF contender.
Barry Bonds. Read "Game of Shadows". The guy's head size and shoe increased. The only reasons he didn't do time were (1) his statements were such gibberish that it was difficult to determine if he actually perjured himself (2) His lawyer was a master at excluding evidence (3) His trainer did time, rather than testify. Yet over 1/3 of HOF voters want him in.
Roger Clemens. There was a huge amount of evidence against him. The guy threw his WIFE under the bus. The only reasons he was not guilty were (1) His lawyer was a master at excluding evidence (2) His lawyer was a master at baffling a starstruck jury. Yet over 1/3 of HOF voters want him in.
How about Andy Pettite? For some reason, everyone took his "I smoked but never inhaled" defense at face value. He's getting a ceremony at Yankee Stadium and is considered a borderline HOF contender.
Barry Bonds. Read "Game of Shadows". The guy's head size and shoe increased. The only reasons he didn't do time were (1) his statements were such gibberish that it was difficult to determine if he actually perjured himself (2) His lawyer was a master at excluding evidence (3) His trainer did time, rather than testify. Yet over 1/3 of HOF voters want him in.
Roger Clemens. There was a huge amount of evidence against him. The guy threw his WIFE under the bus. The only reasons he was not guilty were (1) His lawyer was a master at excluding evidence (2) His lawyer was a master at baffling a starstruck jury. Yet over 1/3 of HOF voters want him in.
7
Let Lou Gehrig be your standard for this case.
If ARod has a good season and keeps his nose out of trouble, I think most fans will be happy. The proof is in the playing.
2
A very high, hard one at every baseball fan. I wonder who he thinks he's fooling?
The same people who cheered for Ramirez, Schilling and Ortiz
2
Poorly executed barb toward Red Sox fans. By the way, the jury is still out on Ortiz and Schilling's crime was being a lousy businessman; his baseball acumen is beyond reproach.
One wonders when he started taking PED's and whether the results he achieved on the field and resulting contracts were fairly earned.
the baseball fans have alex-fatigue. I read this, and I shrug. whatever. spring will come, the yanks will play. maybe alex will be good. maybe not. whatever. just play ball and shut the ... up.
Trade him to the phillies for Ryan Howard. Yanks get a DH, phillies a shortstop third baseman and the money is a wash. Headaches switched to begin anew
I cannot stand Alex Rodriguez (or the Yankees) but he is a ballplayer, and I expect him to keep playing baseball. He is the unfortunate victim of a system that throws adolescents into a world of money and high expectations, gives them PEDs and the means to use them, gives them amnesty from most responsibility and subsequently goes on a witch hunt for the users when it becomes advantageous.
Arod will never be the athlete he was meant to be, I just hope the MLB can learn form their mistakes and keep problems like these out of baseball before they start. Unfortunately that would require a professional sports league to be ethical, which we all know is much less important than profit margins and viewers.
Arod will never be the athlete he was meant to be, I just hope the MLB can learn form their mistakes and keep problems like these out of baseball before they start. Unfortunately that would require a professional sports league to be ethical, which we all know is much less important than profit margins and viewers.
3
When he announced his opt out back in ? , I really really really wanted the yanks to say thanks for everything and "see ya". Too bad
2
Rollie,
That was in 2007. Cashman wanted to let A-Rod walk, but he was overruled by Hank. This could have been some other team's mess.
That was in 2007. Cashman wanted to let A-Rod walk, but he was overruled by Hank. This could have been some other team's mess.
1
Yep. I just couldn't remember the year. Cash and many fan friends of mine were overruled. What's most crazed is that no other team would've given him anywhere near the dough.
1
your words are empty, and your history is deplorable. Had you worked for any other industry, you'd have been fired long ago - too bad, because it looks like we're stuck with you.
2
Huh ? What industry tests for steroid use ?
it's not about steroid testing, it's about bring a liar, a cheat, and just an all around black eye for baseball. every industry but pro sports would can an individual like Arod
1
The last time I met this man, he was the epitome of conceit and condescension. There was absolutely nothing that could reflect sincerity. Money does that to a person when their bottom line is light years above the working man. I hope NY fans tell him what he can do with his apology because I can guarantee you it is anything but sincere.
A little late, isn't it? The deeds were not done yesterday, or considered last week. Bye-Bye.
1
And take Pettitte with you.
1
Surely the Yanks could have found a way to terminate his contract. Was it Hal Steinbrenner who said that ARod was still an asset? A toxic asset, you may add.
2
You mean Hal "my daddy was banished 'for life', but somehow reinstated a year later, and then I inherited the team from him" Steinbrenner ?
I don't think he's the right guy to be getting all punitive and "you're not deserving of this" with anyone.
I don't think he's the right guy to be getting all punitive and "you're not deserving of this" with anyone.
I believe it was Hal who directed Cashman, during the height of the steroid era, to extend A-Rod when he appeared poised to exercise an exit clause in his contract. And now the Yankees want a $60 million forgiveness note for their mistake?
Some people will always hate ARod, but I really don't know why he needs to make a public, grovelling mea culpa.
The Yankees and Brian Cashman were complicit (Petitte, Giambi, Clemens and unknown others) and turned a blind eye, suddenly becoming indignant when ARod's stats no longer matched his salary.
The Yankees and Brian Cashman were complicit (Petitte, Giambi, Clemens and unknown others) and turned a blind eye, suddenly becoming indignant when ARod's stats no longer matched his salary.
6
The fact that they were complicit in no way diminishes his culpability, his repeated lies, and his egregious behavior. Yankee fans have exhibited, and will continue to exhibit, a wide variety of reactions to ARod, as evidenced by the comments on these boards so far. So be it.
For me, watching baseball is like watching paint dry.
I suppose the people who like watching this, also like commenting on its consistency.
I suppose the people who like watching this, also like commenting on its consistency.
So don't watch.
18
Ditto that, Susan!
1
Rodriguez signed the statement, “Sincerely, Alex.”
Nothing about A-Rod is sincere. Ever.
Nothing about A-Rod is sincere. Ever.
14
So Rodriguez apologizes to the Yankees, Yankee fans and his team. When is he going to apologize to rest of baseball, their fans and society in general?
See Rodriguez and the Yankees are a match made on complete and total narcissism, self-absorption, and an ideal that the universe some how revolves around the Rodriguez and the Yankees.
NCAA has punished multiple football, basketball, and a baseball program for breaking the rules by voiding championship titles, if the NY Yankees are the "class act" of MLB that their fans and the organization itself tries to promote, do what Syracuse Basketball just did and self-impose punishment for offenses by vacating both the 2000 and 2009 World Series Titles.
Until then the Yankees, their fans and Rodriguez have no one but themselves to blame as being perceived as the New England Patriots of baseball, in a one word term, cheaters.
See Rodriguez and the Yankees are a match made on complete and total narcissism, self-absorption, and an ideal that the universe some how revolves around the Rodriguez and the Yankees.
NCAA has punished multiple football, basketball, and a baseball program for breaking the rules by voiding championship titles, if the NY Yankees are the "class act" of MLB that their fans and the organization itself tries to promote, do what Syracuse Basketball just did and self-impose punishment for offenses by vacating both the 2000 and 2009 World Series Titles.
Until then the Yankees, their fans and Rodriguez have no one but themselves to blame as being perceived as the New England Patriots of baseball, in a one word term, cheaters.
6
All sports teams are cheaters, get with the program!
Actually, he did not apologize for his use of PED's. He only makes a vague reference to regret for actions that he does not define which made the matter worse and takes full responsibility for the un-named things that led to his suspension. He, then, despite continuing his lack of honesty, claims the right to put the matter behind him and play ball. He is an intellectual, moral and ethical cretin. Let us urge the sports media world not to numbly participate in his attempt at image rehabilitation.
5
Did you look in the mirror and ask yourself, "How did I let myself down?" Have you realized that just because you can does not mean you should? In so many words, will you follow a different moral compass than the one which guided you into this mess?
Alex Rodriguez is essentially incapable of making the healthy changes you suggest.
The silence is deafening. Well done Yankee fans!
1
"I'm sorry I got caught"
16
Look for a contrite Alex to really give it his all. He still has a great work ethic and wonderful skills. Hopefully the Yanks can restore order so we don't have to hear from the nitwit Giants any more.
4
Are you kidding: Alex Rodriguez "contrite?"
1
Great name for a cologne, though:
Contrite by Alejandro Rodriguez
Contrite by Alejandro Rodriguez
2
Alex's apology is about as believable as Lance Armstrong's.
18
I deeply regret having anything to deeply regret that may have come to the attention to people who will or will not be mollified by my regrettable expression of regret.
2
I am a lifetime Yankee fan. I will not root for or follow the progress of, or go to the Stadium to watch a game until A Rod is no longer a Yankee. He does not deserve the honor of wearing the Yankee uniform.
13
As if Alex Rodriguez is the only Yankee cheat, the organization is based on a philosophy of doing anything to win and win now, including cheating. Always has been always will be.
1
I respect your opinion, but come on -- if you don't follow the Yankees, why did you take the time to read this story and comment on it?
1
How sad that Alex Rodriguez, distinguished with great physical abilities, is diminished by a mental aberration: narcissism -- the illness which is manifest in his countless infractions and lies, and now also in an apology that intuits neither a sense of his catastrophic wrongdoings nor their devastating consequences: not the least of which is his forfeited entry to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
To normal people, A-Rod is obviously washed up as a professional ballplayer and credible ambassador of the game.
Meanwhile, he still wants to "play some ball."
To normal people, A-Rod is obviously washed up as a professional ballplayer and credible ambassador of the game.
Meanwhile, he still wants to "play some ball."
4
fans should let alex hit the ball. if he cant, he is done.
if he can, he is a yankee.
as a kid, i heard yankee fans boo first mantle and then maris. i didnt understand it as a 10-year-old, and i dont support it now.
my hope is that alex can come back and he will find a home with his teammates. but he needs to hit, and add some sparkle at third base.
if he can, he is a yankee.
as a kid, i heard yankee fans boo first mantle and then maris. i didnt understand it as a 10-year-old, and i dont support it now.
my hope is that alex can come back and he will find a home with his teammates. but he needs to hit, and add some sparkle at third base.
5
A phony through and through. From hitting on Canseco's wife to multiple unsportsmanlike plays on the field to pathological lying about denying use of illegal PEDs, this sociopath cannot escape the need to be center-stage. Here's hoping he has a lousy spring training and rides the pine for the duration of his time. The Yankees, for all they have squandered on sub-par free agents, should eat the remainder of his contract and be rid of the shenanigans.
2
The Apology Tour begins!
3
Take you act and your ego and hit the road, Jack. I'll never pay to watch this bum.
12
"Sincerely, Alex"?
That will be the day.
That will be the day.
15
Alex, please stop.
Just shut up and hit the ball.
If you can't hit the ball, sit on the bench and shut up.
Just shut up and hit the ball.
If you can't hit the ball, sit on the bench and shut up.
26
Or better, just go away!
Every road game will be an ugly circus. Fans will be tossing him syringes + an xtra dose of appropriate chants.
Every road game will be an ugly circus. Fans will be tossing him syringes + an xtra dose of appropriate chants.
3
You're right. And I can't wait!!!
2
throw gummy bears
A-Rod has zero credibility left and I would suggest that he spend the rest of his time and energy teaching kids what NOT to do.