A-Rod’s Hand Written Apology

By STEVEN SPANOPOULOS

Alex Rodriguez has issued a hand written letter apologizing to his fans, accepting responsibility for his actions that led to his suspension.  He is one of the top players in the game of baseball, which has made him highly scrutinized.

The big hitter still has many fans on his side even after what he has been accused of.  The Bronx Bomber that wears lucky number 13 is approaching 40, leaving other fans to believe that he won’t make a difference regardless.

Jaclyn Keegan, 31, a long time Yankee fan said “from the start I have never liked Alex Rodriquez, I think he is washed up and can not in anyway help the Yanks win.”

Performance Enhancing Drugs

In February 2009, Sports Illustrated reports that Rodriguez tested positive for steroids in 2003 with the Seattle Mariners organization.   Rodriquez admitted to cheating but denied ever taking steroids while playing for the New York Yankees.  In June 2013 ESPN reported that baseball is looking to suspend 20 players for taking PED’s.  In August of the same year baseball hands the longest suspension of all the players to Rodriquez for using steroids (211 games).

Rodriquez has proven to be an asset for the Yankees.  Obtaining three MVP awards in his career is an achievement, players of his caliber don’t come around often.  Fans say that the Yankees would not have won their last championship in 2009 if it were not for him.  Rodriquez looks to move past his PED use and to be accepted by the fans once again.

Fans share mixed emotions of A-rod, some forgiving and others can’t wait for the day he is not a Yankee.  Michael Kafafian, 30, of Moonachie, New Jersey “I never liked him, but if he can help the Yankees win then I’m ready to forgive him.”  Winning helps the forgiving process with athletes.  There are many fans speaking out in Rodriquez’s benefit.

Fans Speak

A-Rod’s Career At a Glimpse

 Rodriquez first made his mark on the sport in June 1993 when he was drafted firstoverall by the Seattle Mariners.  At age, 18, in July 1994 he made his first major league debut.  He played in Seattle until December 2000 and than signed the largest contract in sports history, 10-year $252 million to the Texas Rangers.  In February 2004 the Yankees acquired A-Rod’s contract in a trade and than he opted out with some years left.  Currently A-Rod has three years left on a 10 year contract that is worth $275 million over that time.

Continuing the winning tradition leaves most fans saying if he can contribute he can play.  With baseball about to start the Yankees are going to have to deal with all the distractions surrounding A-Rod and hope that it fades into the season as fans and players prepare for opening day.

 Sidebar: What are anabolic steroids?