Tuesday, February 10, 2009

What I Like About A-Rod

The sports world is all abuzz today about A-Rod's admission that he took steroids during his 2001-2003 stint with the Texas Rangers. By his own admission, he stopped taking the steroids in 2003 because he didn't like what they were doing to his body.

He also admitted that he was young, stupid, under enormous pressure to perform, and to perform at a high level every single day. As Rodriguez said. "It's my fault. I'm responsible for this. And I'm deeply sorry. I've done things the right way since 2004and I'm proud of that."

The Yankee's concur by saying, "We urged Alex to be completely open, honest and forthcoming in addressing his use of performance-enhancing drugs. We take him at his word that he was. Although we are disappointed in the mistake he spoke to today, we realize Alex — like all of us — is a human being not immune to fault. We speak often about the members of this organization being part of a family, and that is never more true than in times of adversity."

What I like about Alex Rodriguez:

1. He may have lied in the past, but he has now come forth with the truth. Unlike Barry Bonds and Roger Clements, A-Rod is laying it out and admitting his took steroids.

2. He admits he was young and stupid. He admits he was wrong. He apologizes to the public, the Yankees, and his fans.

3. Although he is still under tremendous pressure, since 2004 he has done things the right way. He turned his behavior around. That takes strength and courage.

For all those who are slamming him, how many can say they are perfect, they have never lied, they have never done a wrong thing to save their career or save face.

Remember, let him who casts the first stone be without sin. Those who are criticizing his behavior for something he did seven years ago when under intense pressure, need to take a look at what they have done with a whole lot less to lose than he had.

I am proud that A-Rod stepped forward, admitted his sin, apologized profusely for it, and acknowledged it hasn't happened again.

What the rest of us need to do is forgive him, and we need to move on. My respect for him has grown exponentially with his ability to man-up and admit his mistakes.

What do you think? How will this affect his future, especially his eligibility in the Baseball Hall of Fame?

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