Alex Rodriguez once apologized to MLB fans following his drug supplier's conviction in the Biogenesis scandal
Every baseball fan is well aware of the infamous BALCO scandal. Many big names were dragged through the mud. One especially prominent name was MLB star Alex Rodriguez.
Rodriguez became the poster boy of the PED era, facing extreme vitriol and criticism from the MLB community. The Yankees star was suspended for the entire 2014 season. A-Rod's drug supplier, Anthony Bosch, was also sentenced to four years in prison.
After the dust settled, Rodriguez issued a two-page handwritten apology letter to the MLB community. The letter read:
"I take full responsibility for the mistakes that led to my suspension for the 2014 season," Rodriguez wrote
Rodriguez wrote about taking responsibility for his actions and expressed his regret over the incident.
"I regret that my actions made the situation worse than it needed to be. To Major league baseball, the Yankees, the Steinbrenner family, the Players Association and you, the fans, I can only say I'm sorry." he continued
The Yankees legend apologized to the MLB community, fans, the Yankees organization, and his own family in the letter.
You gotta understand, Alex Rodriguez was simply a different baseball player.
That dude’s level of sheer talent was just unbelievably uncommon.. https://t.co/qtOCrxJnmt
A-Rod was suspended for 211 games. After serving his punishment, he returned to play for the Yankees in 2015. Alex Rodriguez played two more seasons with the Yankees before announcing his retirement from baseball in 2016.
When Alex Rodriguez refused to use Yankees Stadium for his apology
Alex Rodriguez was asked by the organization to hold a press conference to apologize for his suspension at Yankees Stadium. However, the former third baseman rejected the offer and instead issued a letter.
"I accept the fact that many of you will not believe my apology or anything that I say at this point," Alex Rodriguez wrote
Rodriguez also acknowledged in the letter that many of his supporters would not accept his apology. A-Rod still published the letter knowing that many people wouldn't take it well.
"I understand why and that's on me. It was gracious of the Yankees to offer me the use of Yankee Stadium for this apology. But I decided the next time I am in Yankee Stadium, I should be in pinstripes doing my job."
The former Yankees player went ahead and thanked the New York Yankees franchise for their consideration in the letter.
"ALEX RODRIGUEZ HAS MY EYES." New York City. Holy King. July 27, 1975. https://t.co/9iisph3DTl
Rodriguez appeared determined to move past the scandal and rejoin the team as an improved player.
A-Rod posted a .295/.380/.550 slashline with 696 home runs and 2086 RBIs during his career.