Alex Rodríguez Accepts Steroid Use

By Stephen Lars

Alex Rodríguez, one of the most prevalent baseball players of our days that has stand out for his impressive game level and his good work in the field, has given a low punch to the baseball and sports world in general, by admitting publicly to have used illicit material to improve his physical performance.

According the Alex’ statements, who at present is part of the New York Yankees, he only made use of the steroids during 2001 and 2003, period in which he was playing for the Texas Rangers.

The polemic confession was given as respond to an article from the Sports Illustrated magazine, in which Rodríguez was mentioned amongst a list of 104 baseball players that apparently came out positive on prohibit substances from a series of test for doping control, realized in 2003 by the Major League of Baseball, with the purpose of establishing the rules required.

The speculations about Rodríguez link to steroids started some time ago, when the mythical trainer Joe Torres and the former player José Canseco mentioned it –although not openly– in their books “The Yankees Years” and “Vindicated”. These were also factors that provoked the investigation from Sports Illustrated took part and went deeper in the subject.

Although until 2004 the use of stimulant drugs were not banned, Rodríguez knew that what he was doing was unethical. However, Alex was domain for the pressure of being in an important team, and his youth, his wishes of being the best and looking fitter, are the main reasons that the Dominican-American mentioned in his declaration to the press about his fault.

After being one of the most famous baseball players in history with millionaire contracts in the USA, A-Rod, as he is popularly known, has started to lose credibility, in fact got himself the new nickname: A-Fraud. And is exactly the reliability in Alex what now remains in doubt for the thousands of fans and members of the MLB that at some point admired him for his achievements, like being named Most Valuable Player or being at the top of the home run chart.

This fatal mistake from Rodríguez can cost a lot, since after all his accomplishments his chance of getting into the Hall of Fame is at risk. Sure, he accepted that his error and asked for forgiveness, which definitively a good start, but while he waits for absolution, he better should sit, for it seams that will take a little time from the fans to let it pass.

For now Alex Rodríguez should study very well Andy Pettitte and Jason Gambi, who went through the same experience, but were easily forgiven by the public, with whom both always kept a good relationship. This lead us to A-Rod’s real problem, for he really never had put much attention to the fans, which places his stability in a dangerous position, since the people is the supporter of team. So if New York doesn’t absolve him, his situation –around the country or even the world– could be quite tragic.

About the Author
Stephen Lars has been a prominent writer on daily MLB games, sports news and the sportsbook industry for many exceptional sport web sites. You may reprint this article in its full content, please note no modifications to it are accepted.