Alex Rodriguez released an apology letter Tuesday addressed to fans, in which he says he takes “full responsibility for the mistakes” that led to his yearlong drug ban.
The humiliated slugger goes on to say he regrets his antagonistic stance toward Major League Baseball and his Yankees bosses, though he said he would decline their invitation to use Yankee Stadium for an apology press conference.
“I accept the fact that many of you will not believe my apology or anything that I say at this point,” he wrote. “I understand why and that’s on me.”
He concludes by expressing the desire to move on from his latest controversy, writing: “I will do everything I can to be the best player and teammate possible, earn a spot on the Yankees and help us win.”
The 39-year-old Rodriguez is attempting to return to the field after playing just 44 games in the past two seasons — and none in 2014 while he served a 162-game suspension for his connection to the PED-selling Biogenesis clinic in Florida. The owner of 654 career home runs is operating on two surgically repaired hips, and has three years and $61 million remaining on his contract.
Here is the full two-page letter:
 
 
 
And in case Rodriguez’s scrawl proves difficult to decipher, here is the letter in print:
To the Fans,
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.
I accept the fact that many of you will not believe my apology or anything that I say at this point. I understand why and that’s on me. 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.
I served the longest suspension in the history of the League for PED use. The Commissioner has said the matter is over. The Players Association has said the same. The Yankees have said the next step is to play baseball.
I’m ready to put this chapter behind me and play some ball.
This game has been my single biggest passion since I was a teenager. 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.
Sincerely, Alex
Jonathan Lehman/ New York Post
 

Comments are closed.