By By Chandler Myers
It has come to light in the last week that three-time AL MVP Alex Rodriguez has used performance-enhancing drugs in the past.
The report came out that he failed drug tests from 2001-03, while he played for the Texas Rangers on what was then a record $150-million dollar contract.
A-Rod has been coy with the words he has used to say he took the drugs, and he has not full on admitted to using steroids.
The result of the Yankees third-baseman’s admitted use has had somewhat different reactions around the sports world.
Some people are applauding him for his honesty, while others are writing him off like they have Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire and others.
It is difficult to judge the situation because yes he cheated, yes he admitted to it and he has apparently stopped taking them if he hasn’t been suspended in the last few years after the MLB cracked the whip on steroid use.
His numbers are hard to dispute because he has still seen almost a consistent o utput even after his years with the Rangers. Yes, t he number of homeruns did drop off somewhat, but he has still topped the 50-homerun mark and been close to topping it twice.
So, while Rodriguez did use steroids I would not write his career off yet or even put an asterisk next to it.
He came clean and stopped using them, while other players like Bonds and Rafael Palmeiro used them for years.
I am not an Alex Rodriguez fan, but the man shouldn’t be given up on simply because he chose to do something that wasn’t illegal at the time.
The only disappointing factor in this whole case is that millions of young baseball players around the world look up to him like he is a god.
They worship him and the effort he gives game after game of a 162-game season.
What kind of message does it send when someone like A-Rod is using steroids?
Not that it is different from other players who have used the performance-enhancing drugs, but I had set him up to a higher standard than Bonds.
If A-Rod decides to apologize publicy for his actions not only should he issue that apology to Yankee fans, his teammates and the MLB, but he should also make sure to say sorry to all of the young players who could have been influenced by his lack of judgement.
That would be a heartfelt apology because simply saying that you took them and you are sorry really doesn’t send the message across.
Hoepfully for the image of baseball, more high-profile players won’t come out and say they have made the same mistake that Rodriguez has.
Chandler Myers is sports editor of the Atmore Advance. He can be reached at 368-2123 or by e-mail at sports@atmoreadvance.com