Alex Rodriguez, also known as A-Rod, is considered one of the greatest baseball athletes to ever exist. After debuting with the Seattle Mariners in 1994, the shortstop went on to play for the New York Yankees for more than a decade. In his long, illustrious career, Alex batted .295 with 696 homers and 2086 RBIs. He retired in 2016 at the age of 41.
However, the former world series champion’s illustrious career was marred by a steroid scandal that shook the sports world. The scandal broke out in 2007 when Jose Canseco accused Alex of using PEDs in 2003 during his tenure with the Texas Rangers. In a recent interview, Alex Rodriguez opened up about the scandal and how it affected him personally.
Alex Rodriguez Calls The PED Suspension The Most Embarrassing Moment Of His Life
When the steroid scandal broke in 2009, Alex Rodriguez initially denied taking performance-enhancing drugs. However, he later admitted that he had used steroids in the past. As a result, he was suspended for the entire 2014 season. The former All-star explained that he was using those drugs to treat his back discomfort and was not aware of it being a banned substance. Regardless, the MLB held him accountable and asked him to serve a prolonged suspension. Meanwhile, the former Yankee has addressed the issue in a recent podcast with Henrik Lundqvist.
Alex Rodriguez termed the suspension the most embarrassing moment of his life. He added that he let down all those people who he cared about and those who helped him become the great player he is today. Further, the whole scandal took a toll on his mental health, for which he sought therapy. Moreover, the former shortstop also believes that the PED scandal probably cost him a place in the Hall of Fame. Nonetheless, over the years, Rodriguez has worked hard to rebuild his reputation. He has become a respected analyst and commentator for ESPN and has also started a successful real estate business. While the scandal certainly came as a big blow, A-Rod rebuilt his life for the better.
Yankees Owner Once Wanted To Part Ways With Alex Rodriguez
Alex Rodriguez’s off-season rendezvous one landed him in deep trouble. 2007 was the best year of the former shortstop’s career, wherein he won the MVP and home run leader awards. However, shortly after, he created big chaos in the Yankees clubhouse. During the World Series, Rodriguez announced that he wanted to opt out of his contract with the Yankees after the conclusion of the 2007 season. His decision to come out in the open in the middle of a world series irked the club owner, Hal Steinbrenner.
Hal hit out at Alex Rodriguez for his lack of loyalty and commitment toward the Yankees organization. In an interview, the Yankees owner said they always wanted the former all-star to be a Yankees and even conveyed the same to him. But if a particular player does not wish to stay with the club, he certainly cannot force it. He even compared Alex to Hall of Famer Derek Jeter and explained that ever since Jeter was a kid, he wished to don the pinstripes and nothing else. Nonetheless, after dramatic chaos, both parties sorted out the differences, and A-Rod signed a 10-year contract for $275 million.
