Alex Rodriguez Owns Up to Steroid Use

On Monday, the great Peter Gammons sat down for an interview with Alex Rodriguez to discuss his 2003 positive steroid test and the recent report leaking the information. ESPN will air the interview in full on Monday night's SportsCenter, but have previewed a portion in which A-Rod verified that the report, and the initial test's results, were both accurate, and that his use was voluntary. (See video here)

Unlike the manner in which Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds have handled things, Rodriguez owned up to his mistakes and apologized.

Among the things Rodriguez used as reasons for his transgressions were the pressure to perform up to the lofty standards of his gargantuan contract, and the culture of the league at the time.

During his apology, Rodriguez said he was young, stupid, negligent and naive at the time that he took the juice, and he regrets his choices.

A-Rods Controversies

Days after a report that he tested positive for steroids during his American League MVP campaign in 2003, superstar Alex Rodriguez admits to using performance-enhancing drugs during his time with the Texas Rangers from 2001 to 2003. Click through to find out more about A-Rod's checkered past.

Chris Carlson, AP

Former manager Joe Torre's recently released book, 'The Yankee Years', included details of A-Rod's tumultuous stay with the Yankees. In the book, Torre claims A-Rod was known by teammates as "A-Fraud" and paints him as mentally fragile.

Ezra Shaw, Getty Images

Rodriguez's decision not to play for the United States at the upcoming World Baseball Classic put him in the middle of another firestorm. A-Rod chose to join David Ortiz's Dominican squad over the nation of his birth.

Kena Betancur, AP

There have also been rumors that Rodriguez dated pop star Madonna, with numerous reports of the two spending time together.

Jim Rogash, Getty Images

In May 2007, many called this slide into the Red Sox's Dustin Pedroia to break up a double play dirty, as part of the heated Red Sox-Yankees rivalry.

Nick Laham, Getty Images

He filed for free agency during Game 4 of the 2007 World Series, drawing the ire of fans and officials. Some accused A-Rod of trying to grab the spotlight as the Yankees' big rivals were closing in on their second title in four seasons. He later re-signed with New York.

Jim McIsaac, Getty Images

The New York tabloids had a field day after the Yankees star was allegedly caught with a "mystery blonde" at the end of May of 2007. The woman was later identified as an exotic dancer, and his wife filed for divorce from him just over a year later, citing his infidelity.

New York Post

Things have been frosty for A-Rod and Derek Jeter since Rodriguez dissed his buddy by saying Jeter was "never your concern" when facing the Yankees.

Tony Gutierrez, AP

Despite being named AL MVP (48 homers, 130 RBI) in 2005, Yankee fans called out A-Rod by saying many of his homers came in meaningless situations.

Morry Gash, AP

A-Rod's awkward slap that knocked the ball from Bronson Arroyo's glove in the 2004 ALCS enhanced his reputation as a player who folded in the clutch.

Amy Sancetta, AP

Amazingly, Rodriguez admitted to using for a three-year period. Most people just claim they only used it once, so you have to give credit to A-Rod for being so honest. Rodriguez claims to have not taken anything illegal since he's been playing for the Yankees, as this steroid use occurred when he was on the Texas Rangers. I think one thing that's interesting to point out is that his numbers have not suffered since he's (presumably) been clean.

We're still sure to see a storm of media venom in Rodriguez's direction, because he's one of the best players in the league. I hope they keep in mind that Andy Pettitte, Brian Roberts, Jason Giambi, and a few others have cried mea culpa and have been left alone -- for the most part -- afterwards. A-Rod deserves the same treatment, as he was actually man enough to own up to his mistake.

UPDATE: Here's a video of the excerpt.

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