Alex Rodriguez Forgoes Media Session Apology For Hand-Written Statement

In the midst of Anthony Bosch receiving his four year jail sentence, Alex Rodriguez chose to forgo a live media session and instead issued a statement of apology to the fans. In the hand-written apology attained by the New York Daily News, A-Rod stated, “I take full responsibility for the mistakes that led to my suspension for the 2014 season. 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.”

Next, he addressed the fact that after being caught multiple times, his apology may sound like white noise. “I accept the fact that many of you will not believe my apology or anything that I say at this point,” he said. “I understand why and that’s on me.” As for declining the use of Yankee Stadium to release a televised statement, “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 letter further goes on to express his hopes to push this matter behind him. However, it is unlikely that the harsh New York media will let this fall by the wayside.  Many assume A-Rod in his final seasons will be more of a distraction than a player. “This game has been my single biggest passion since I was a teenager,” he concluded in his statement. “When I go to Spring training, I will do everything I can to be the best player and teammate possible, earn a spot on the Yankees and help us win.”

Rodriguez was suspended for his role with Biogenesis. Since then, he has privately apologized to the Yankees for all of his actions in 2013-14. So since all parties have agreed to move forward, the main question is will A-Rod be an impact? The Yankee slugger has had two hip surgeries since 2009 and has not played since 2013: obviously, he is a shell of his former self, yet can he contribute with his bat? It is hard to believe the Yanks will eat $61 million to get rid of the athlete — so either way, New York is stuck with him for the next three years.