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A-Rod Cops to 'Roids: 'I Was Stupid'

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 9, 2009 1:56 PM CST
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(Newser) – Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez today admitted, in a voice that wasn't always steady, that he took steroids for three seasons beginning in 2001. Amid swirling rumors that he'd tested positive in 2003 while playing for the Texas Rangers, A-Rod told ESPN's Peter Gammons that he succumbed to "an enormous amount of pressure."

"I needed to perform, and perform at a high level every day," Rodriguez said. "Back then, [baseball] was a different culture. I was young, I was stupid, I was naïve. I wanted to prove to everyone I was worth being one of the greatest players of all time. I did take a banned substance. For that, I'm very sorry and deeply regretful."

Alex Rodriguez and wife Cynthia talk to Katie Couric Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007. Rodriguez spoke about the release of the Mitchell Report accusing scores of baseball players of using steroids.
Alex Rodriguez and wife Cynthia talk to Katie Couric Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007. Rodriguez spoke about the release of the Mitchell Report accusing scores of baseball players of using steroids.   (AP Photo/CBS News, Lori Beecher)
In this Feb. 20, 2008 file photo, New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez glances back at fans while warming up during spring training in Tampa, Fla.
In this Feb. 20, 2008 file photo, New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez glances back at fans while warming up during spring training in Tampa, Fla.   (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, File)
In this May 22, 2003 file photo at left, Alex Rodriguez rounds the bases in Arlington, Texas. In this July 3, 2008 file photo at right, Rodriquez runs the bases.
In this May 22, 2003 file photo at left, Alex Rodriguez rounds the bases in Arlington, Texas. In this July 3, 2008 file photo at right, Rodriquez runs the bases.   (AP Photo/Linda Kaye, left, and Kathy Willens, right)
In this May 22, 2003 file photo at left, Texas Ranger Alex Rodriguez rounds the bases in Arlington, Texas. In this July 3, 2008 file photo at right, Rodriquez runs the bases at Yankee Stadium.
In this May 22, 2003 file photo at left, Texas Ranger Alex Rodriguez rounds the bases in Arlington, Texas. In this July 3, 2008 file photo at right, Rodriquez runs the bases at Yankee Stadium.   (AP Photo/Linda Kaye, left, and Kathy Willens, right)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
Guest
Feb 9, 2009 3:41 AM CST
He's admitting to 3 years. How do we know it wasn't really 5, 7, or 9 years? I'd also like to see the other 103 names on that list.
wwwonderer
Feb 9, 2009 3:05 AM CST
Well he isn't the only one to be tarnish in professional sports. Just wait to we hear about the ongoings in the NFL!
EddyTeach
Feb 9, 2009 3:03 AM CST
"Back then, [baseball] was a different culture." What a joke. No excuses, A-Rod. You got caught and now you're reputation, career, and legacy is shot. A lot of work for no glory in the end.

 
steroids • Texas Rangers • New York Yankees • Alex Rodriguez • Mitchell steroids investigation

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