"A-Roid" Admits to ESPN He Has Taken Performance-Enhancing Drugs

On Monday, February 09th, Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees told Peter Gammons of ESPN that he tested positive for steroids in 2003, and that he had been taking PEDs while playing for the Texas Rangers from 2001 to 2003.

Rodriguez stuttered and fumbled with his words, but he made his message very clear: he understood his mistake, he was ignorant of his mistake until a few days ago when he confirmed information that he tested positive for steroids, and that he has been clean of PEDs since 2003.

Rodriguez claimed that the first time he thought he had tested positive for steroids was a few days ago, when a Sports Illustrated reporter approached him in a gym and told him that he had tested positive.  Before then, according to Rodriguez, he either had not known the substances he was taking was illegal or was not 100% sure it was illegal, including the time when he went on 60 Minutes with Katie Couric a year ago to declare on national television that he was not on steroids.

Rodriguez has reportedly not seen any of the tests that have him positive for illegal substances in person, but he admitted that the pressure of playing for an organization like the Texas Rangers.  Rodriguez also said that the faster he admitted his useage of steroids, the faster he could focus on the upcoming baseball season.  He also went as far as to say if he was a fan of himself, he would be "really pissed off".

I think the most important part is the method in which he has come to light on the steroids.  First, it was a self-admittance.  Second, it is while he is still an active player in the MLB.  Finally, he claims to have not taken any steroids after the 2003 season, which is actually very evident when comparing his season statistics, particularly in the home run department.  I'm sure there are many mixed reactions to his public admittance and apology, with most people probably wanting to burn him at the stake, but given all the BS and vagueness from all parties during these past few years of steroids allegations in baseball, I am fairly impressed with A-Rod.  That said, I wouldn't be surprised if he is reprimanded somehow, but I would absolutely hate baseball if he is forced to retire or something of that nature.