When Alex Rodriguez showed remorse for his actions that "cost him over $40 million" and possibly a Hall of Fame spot
Alex Rodriguez played a major role in the New York Yankees' success throughout his time with the team. He is widely considered one of the greatest Yankees of all time. However, A-Rod's illustrious career was marred by his usage of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), which he admitted to in 2013.
Rodriguez was involved in the Biogenesis scandal and was suspended from Major League Baseball for the entire 2014 season.
In a 2017 interview with ESPN, Rodriguez said the scandal tarnished his reputation and could potentially cost him a Hall of Fame berth.
"There's so many frustrating things when you look back at that. Number one, you have a guaranteed contract for hundreds of millions of dollars. Literally, you can sit on the couch and get fat, right? How stupid can you be? ... This thing cost me over $40 million. And it cost me my reputation, and it may have cost me the Hall of Fame and a number of other things."
Rodriguez was banned for 211 games, which was later reduced to 162. In a June 2019 interview with Sports Illustrated, Rodriguez accepted full responsibility for his career's low points.
"I fell from the Empire State Building. Nobody pushed me. I f*****g jumped. No parachute. I have no one to blame for myself. But what’s changed is, I got my **s humbled. I paid a deep penalty. I’ve learned lessons. And I’m different.”
Why did Alex Rodriguez use PEDs?
A-Rod claimed he began taking drugs to address his chronic back pain and raise his batting average.
Alex Rodriguez:
When asked for his top three pieces of career advice, what was sitting at number one?
"Find Your Passion."
Rodriguez admitted to steroid use.
Alex Rodriguez: When asked for his top three pieces of career advice, what was sitting at number one? "Find Your Passion." Rodriguez admitted to steroid use. - Steve Magness
Rodriguez also revealed that his cousin gave the medication, which was brought in from the Dominican Republic. He merely hoped it would give him a lift in energy.
Rodriguez spent 22 seasons in the MLB after being drafted by the Seattle Mariners in 1993.