A-ROD GATE

Like Richard Nixon in the early 70’s, Alex Rodriguez has orchestrated a scandal to rock the very core of the baseball world.

On February 7th 2009 Sports Illustrated reported that Alex Rodriguez tested positive for 2 types of steroids in 2003, Testosterone and Primobolin. The story was broken by Selena Roberts who confirmed the positive tests through four sources.
Now here is where the controversy starts to bubble.

Roberts has been doing the media circuit and has publicly stated that she knows the person who leaked this information is committing a crime. This source had access to PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL information that must have had ulterior motives to release these names. Out of the total 104 names on this “tested positive for steroids list” only Alex Rodriguez was out-ed.

Rodriguez sat down with Peter Gammons of ESPN on February 9th 2009 where he admitted to using banned substances in an interview that lasted over 30 minutes. A-ROD clearly emotional and distraught through out the interview did answer all the questions and in my opinion took the proper first step to diffuse this C-4 type of situation.
Much like Nixon and his “Dirty Tricks” A-ROD apparently was using his own “magic” from 2001 to 2003 as he told Gammons in the sit down. Feeling the need to live up to his massive 10 year – 252 million dollar contract, with exorbitant amount of pressure building upon his shoulders, Rodriguez decided to take steroids.

Much like the Watergate scandal there was a leak of information, which too was classified. But I once again bring up the fact that the agenda this source had when only releasing Rodriguez’s name, is absolutely preposterous. Either leak each and every of the 104 names or none at all. How could anyone be content with just one name, however much weight that name holds. Equality and fairness, this era no doubt will be labeled the “steroid era” and a tainted period in baseball, but withholding names and putting a blanket over the entire league as potential users will be a crime in and of itself.

Now retired Sean Casey has come out and said he felt betrayed by the Players Association for the leakage of Alex Rodriguez’s name from “the list.” Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling has come out and said in his blog that he wanted every name out there if A-ROD’s name was to be released. And Houston Astros first baseman Lance Berkman has said that he wants the names of everyone on “the list” exposed because those who have never touched any type of human growth hormone or steroid would like to clear their name.

Everyone wanted Alex Rodriguez to just come out and admit what he did and dish out all the “good stuff.” He went further than the actual Sports Illustrated report by admitting to doing the roids for not just one year, but three. He gave us the why, the where, the how, the when just not the who. You must give him credit for taking the whole steroid fiasco further than anyone else who was put in his situation.

Barry Bonds has denied his steroid use all though there are positive tests, lied to a grand jury and is now fighting for his freedom in a court room.

Roger Clemens has taken the “deny till I die” policy and is tossing and turning at night wondering if the three needles Brian McNamee had stuffed in his basement in a old Coke can will be tossed as evidence. He too is facing jail time for his steroid use.

Rafael Palmero wagged his finger then three days later was tested positive for steroids. Mark McGwire showed the world his Androstendione in his locker, a steroid precursor, as well as Jose Canseco coming out and saying he personally injected Big Mac with roids.

The other 103 names on “the scarlet letter forever on your forehead” list for now should consider themselves lucky. I’m sure there are big names on that list, maybe not as big of fish like A-ROD but I’m positive a shocking name or two will be on there.

This dark cloud in baseball history that is upon us will forever stain the culture of the sport, and encyclopedias will chronicle this cycle of madness forever. Alex Rodriguez will have to do a lot to get back in good graces with the fans of baseball, but it all starts now.

Unlike President Nixon, A-ROD will not pick up and leave office, he will continue to be the greatest baseball player in the game today, and prolong his journey to becoming legendary.