A-Rod’s Guilty!
Last weekend, a report came out of Sports Illustrated that Yankee Alex Rodriguez had taken steroids during his time with the Rangers from 2001-2003. The sports world has been buzzing with the news, which was a pretty big shock. Yesterday, A-Rod appeared on ESPN and confessed all. Yes, he did take steroids during his time with the Rangers, when he won the MVP. No, he didn’t really know what he was taking, but he was taking it. And yes, he has been clean since 2004…or so he says.
I think he did the right thing in taking care of this situation as soon as possible. Hey, two days after the report came out, he was on TV confessing. I think that was a really good move on his part. He certainly handled this better than Clemens did last year. I think it was great that he didn’t allow this to fester for too long. I mean, we had two days to dicuss this, get upset, and build it up. But it was very good that he came out as fast as he did.
While it’s a great thing that he came out and confessed so quickly, it should not pardon any punishment. He did something that was very wrong, and he should not have done it. Sure, he was young, stupid, and naive, but that doesn’t excuse that he cheated in the game of baseball. He cheated against baseball, his fans, his club, and himself. Actions have consequences. He needs like a big fine, plus a big apology to the Texas Rangers in addition to the New York Yankees, plus some “time off”. I think he should be suspended for a year. Tough punishment? Oh yeah. Too tough? I don’t know. I know he’s learned his lesson, and that he probably won’t ever take steroids again, but there have got to be consequences. I think he should lose this year, as well as his salary for this season.
But a punishment is not just for him. It’s gotta show the kids in the minor leagues who want a little boost that taking ‘roids is not worth it. Maybe A-Rod will only get a few months. What does that tell the kids in the minors? No. A-Rod’s got to have a rather large punishment. And not just for the kids in the minor leagues, but also kids in high school or Little League, and all his young fans. They need to see that even their hero has to take the blame for what he did, and all that comes with it. Baseball fans also need to see A-Rod get punishment. We need to see that our sport can deal with these problems in the best way possible. If they don’t give him a big enough punishment, it’s going to be a shame on baseball. This is a very risky situation.
Remember when you were a kid? Or if you are a parent. If the kid confesses that he broke the lamp, you aren’t going to be as mad at him because he confessed it and didn’t try to lie to you. But he still broke it, and there are going to be consequences. But if your kid lies about how it broke (a monster came in here and knocked it down!), he’s probably going to be in double trouble. That idea applies to this situation. Since A-Rod confessed, and didn’t deny it, he’s going to be dealt with better than if he had lied. Think Barry Bonds and Rodger Clemens. Look at the trouble they are in right now because they aren’t telling the truth. Now, that’s not saying that Bonds or Clemens did take steroids, but there is evidence against them.
Swimmer Michael Phelps has been banned from swimming for three months because he smoked pot. Because of the way his sport is scheduled, this is going to be a huge blow to him. He got this because he has been so huge in the media since the Olympics. There are a ton of people out there who watched him win all those metals, and he built up a huge fan base. They had to suspend him because there are a lot of kids out there who adore him. What would that tell the kids if he got away with that? It couldn’t happen, so now he is paying for his actions.
A-Rod has to pay for his actions. He’s one of the most popular Yankee players right now. There are thousands of kids who love watching him play, and he’s their favorite player. He must accept the circumstances that come with his actions. I just hope baseball doesn’t mess this up.
San Diego weather note: It rained a lot last night, but I woke up this morning to clear skies…and frost on the trampoline. It’s going to be cold, but there’s not a cloud in the sky. San Diego is so funny.
(photo credit: askmen.com)
Unfinished Business 
Good Read! and Good Luck this Year!!!!
Kaybee – you are SO right! As a parent it really is – If you ‘fess up you will face consequences, but they won’t be as bad as if you had lied. A-Rod lied. We don’t know if he is still telling the whole truth! (More pressure in Texas then in NY? Hmmm..not so sure there.) And he has to live with the consequences of what he has done. And some how we need to deter the young kids – minors, college & HS – from ever doing this garbage.
Julia
http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/
True story. He should still be punished but unfortunately there doesn’t seem to be much of a precedent for that so I don’t know what they do.
BTW Michael Phelps was at University of South Carolina when that picture was taken so everyone beware: South carolina Gamecocks corrupt swim stars! 🙂
I thought it was always like 70 in San Diego?
Melissa
http://clemsongirlbaseball.mlblogs.com
I got some of my respect back for A-Rod after admitting he took steroids but I will NEVER get all of it back.
Bob- http://bostonsports.mlblogs.com/
Kaybee,
Great analogy and post! I completely agree that A-Rod needs some sort of punishment, but unfortunately it will be really hard to issue him one because steroids weren’t illegal in 2003 (although the should have been). Maybe we should ask Jen for some help. He lied for a really long time though, and that’s what bothers me. Not only that, but would he have even confessed had the report not surfaced?
-Elizabeth
http://redsoxgirl46.mlblogs.com
The Jays traded for Matt Bush today, your 2004 first pick. We gave you guys cash considerations and a player to be named later. Hope they work out for you. I certainly could use some cash considerations right now. Anyway, I heard the Padres are clearing room for Cliff Floyd. He could be an offensive help?
http://homerfoodandhistory.mlblogs.com/
That was the lamest apology I’ve ever seen. Although, it was better than nothing, I guess.
http://thehappyyoungster.mlblogs.com/
I always tell my kids they will be in more trouble for lying than whatever it is they’ve done wrong. And after many years of trying it the wrong way, they believe me now! :O)
Jenn
http://philliesphollowers.mlblogs.com/
Hi, Kaybee …
Excellent thoughts on a very sad situation regarding Alex Rodriguez, and, also, another very sad event in the “Steroids Era” of baseball !!! … I think most baseball fans, including myself, give A-Rod credit for coming clean, even though it is way after the fact !!! … But, at least, he was honest, and did admit he used PED’s back in 2001, ’02, ’03 [I hope those were the only times he used steroids, and, or, PED’s, and we will not hear new reports of additional use of these performance enhancing drugs] … As far as Alex Rodriguez being suspended, and, or, fined for his admitted use of PED’s, well, I agree, it would probably be a fitting punishment for A-Rod, and other players who used PED’s; but, I really do not think the Players Association would agree to such penalities, as these penalities will affect many more players than “just” Alex Rodriguez !!! … I believe it is time to move forward regarding this whole issue; but, I also think, there should be much tougher penalities for future abusers of steroids and PED’s, including, “banning for life” any players in MLB and all of professinal baseball who test positive for steroids or any other PED’s from this year forward !!! … Excellent Post, Kaybee !!! Jimmy [27NYY], “BY&L” … http://baseballtheyankeesandlife.mlblogs.com/