A-Rod admits steroid use

February 9, 3:33 PMMLB ExaminerAlex Brown

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In the interest of bringing closure to this topic, it is my duty to report that Alex Rodriguez has publicly admitted to using illegal steroids from 2001-2003.  During these years Rodriguez played for the Texas Rangers – he signed a seven-year, $252M deal before the 2001 season.  He claims that the pressure to succeed after signing such a large contract drove him to try the illegal substances.

The evidence supports the admission in this case: from 2001-2003 A-Rod played in more games (161.7 averaged), hit more homers (52 averaged) and had a higher slugging percentage (.615 averaged) than his averages for the other ten seasons he’s played.  He claims that he stopped using the substances after the 2003 season, when he injured himself during Spring Training of the 2004 season.

This certainly appears to be the most truthful steroids-related admission from any star major league baseball player so far.  Is he being completely honest?  I’m not sure.  Does it really matter?  Depends on who you ask.  His public statement certainly surprises me.  Either way I think this bold of an admission should buy A-Rod a bit of reprieve in  both the court of public opinion, and the court of the federal judiciary.