A-Rod Tested Positive in 2003

[The Cartoon]

It's true (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3890785)

This comes as a huge shock to me. I've never even thought of him using steroids.

[TMC1982]

Now, ESPN has something to beat the death (a la the Brett Favre saga from last year) for the next few months.:sad:

[TheTerror]

The sport of baseball is so corrupt now and so riddled with question marks, asterix's and steirods that it's hard to watch it without thinking someone could potentialy be on roids because they are having a good season. I gave up on Baseball a couple years ago and though I do miss it, I am glad I left it behind.

[silverwings]

Another potential HoF bites the dust.

Can't say I'm surprised. I wonder if they are going to release the other 103 players on that list? I think we deserve to know.

[email2003]

busted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:d

[ABrown]

I've wondered about him ever since that report came out in 2007, or whenever it was that the report with all the names was released.

I'm just happy that the 2005 World Champion Chicago White Sox haven't been tarnished by any reports of steroids or anything. And the Cubs have continued their 100 years or so of championship-less baseball.

[TheTerror]

I am sure there are dozens and dozens of hitters in baseball who are on some kind of HGH or sterioid but have ways to not get caught or can hide it extreamly well. Bottom line is that the sport of baseball has suffered a huge blow that is really hindering the credibility and purity of the sport, MLB is losing fans on a daily basis, it's quite sad.

[Mesousa]

Now, ESPN has something to beat the death (a la the Brett Farve saga from last year) for the next few months.:sad:

At least the Brett Favre saga was cool.

Sheesh, I just hate these steroid storylines, they feel pontless to me, I just want those players to be left alone. :shrug:

[Ajax]

Another potential HoF bites the dust.That might not be necessarily true. Depending on how he handles all of this first, its not like A-Rod put up these huge numbers in 03. If anything, they were pretty pedestrian when compared to his seasons with the Yankees. And because he didnt show up on the Mitchell Report and since Testing has gotten way stronger (therefore we can assume he hasnt used Seteroids since) and since he has abohter 10 years left in him, he can very easily repair his image. This will tranish his legacy, but not on Roger Clemens or Barry Bonds type levels.

[Vyse]

Wow. A-Rod became A-Cheat. Expect that chant (along with the cover story on today's NY Post (http://deadspin.com/5149454/alex-rodriguez-ruins-it-for-the-rest-of-us-again)) to be heard wherever A-Rod plays.

It is a partially sad story. A-Rod, to me, always looked and acted like a guy who would appear on HCWDB, but I never suspected of him to take steroids or drugs other than Enzyte. He was the last hope for baseball's records to be clean and was the only person set to break Bonds' records cleanly. But, since he tested positive in 2003 - a year in which his numbers were actually down from the year before - he joins the asterisk crowd. (http://www.baseballssteroidera.com/bse-list-steroid-hgh-users-baseball.html)

Other things: here's a baseball card (http://completist.wordpress.com/2009/02/09/official-baseball-card-of-the-steroid-era/) with A-Rod's and Jose Canseco's signatures; BTW, in Canseco's latest tome, Vindicated, he introduced Alex to the drugs. Also, Frank Thomas is still clean. And maybe one of, if not the, best clean player from the era. (http://luolsdong.blogspot.com/2009/02/bigtruth.html)

[The Cartoon]

A-Rod admitted to using them today from 2001-2003 because he was under pressure from having the largest contract in baseball.

[Condiment King]

Notice to ESPN:

Just because he admitted to it does not absolve him from wrongdoing. I don't care how emotional he was. He did it.

Also I love baseball, and I think that something coming out about 2001-2003 play (or any of the other steroid years) does not and continues to not mar the current game. I think this is a gigantic fallacy perpetuated by people who just dislike baseball, saying that it is worthless because of these stories from years past. Just like the 1919 Chicago White Sox does not affect the game today; this does not affect the game today.

All this does is make whenever A-Rod threatens the all-time home run mark an awkward period. And baseball more than survived the time when Bonds did it, so what's the big deal?

[jph139]

Wow. A-Rod became A-Cheat. Expect that chant (along with the cover story on today's NY Post (http://deadspin.com/5149454/alex-rodriguez-ruins-it-for-the-rest-of-us-again)) to be heard wherever A-Rod plays.

I expected "A-Roid." Then again, 'round Boston, we've always called him "A-Fraud." The rivalry runs deep. :p

...nevertheless, sad day for baseball, ruining the game for everyone, yadda yadda yadda.

[krazymed]

Around the Horn gave ZERO credit to the original SI article that outed A-Rod on today's show, instead crediting the Peter Gammons interview that had yet to air as the source of A-Rod taking steroids. And now they're putting rappers in the show (Li'l Wayne) because no intelligent sports writer wants anything to do with that show. Gutless.

And there is only one way I will be happy with this story. And that's if everyone involved goes to jail.

A-Rod, for lying about his use in December 2007 to Katie Couric.

The players' union, for clearly backstabbing the players who were promised a confidential drug test for drugs that were not banned at the time. They only had to wait 30 days to destroy the tests, it's over five years later. What the hell?

The people who leaked the info to SI, who may include the federal government (they would want this info to bury Barry Bonds), and someone who clearly has an agenda against Rodriguez (there were 104 names on the list of positive drug, and he was the only one leaked is an agenda).

Bud Selig, who is making 18 million dollars a year and killing the sport everyday. By proxy, throw the rest of the owners in there as well for pushing this train off the cliff.

This whole thing makes me sick.

[Katsumara]

Around the Horn gave ZERO credit to the original SI article that outed A-Rod on today's show, instead crediting the Peter Gammons interview that had yet to air as the source of A-Rod taking steroids. And now they're putting rappers in the show (Li'l Wayne) because no intelligent sports writer wants anything to do with that show. Gutless.

And there is only one way I will be happy with this story. And that's if everyone involved goes to jail.

A-Rod, for lying about his use in December 2007 to Katie Couric.

The players' union, for clearly backstabbing the players who were promised a confidential drug test for drugs that were not banned at the time. They only had to wait 30 days to destroy the tests, it's over five years later. What the hell?

The people who leaked the info to SI, who may include the federal government (they would want this info to bury Barry Bonds), and someone who clearly has an agenda against Rodriguez (there were 104 names on the list of positive drug, and he was the only one leaked is an agenda).

Bud Selig, who is making 18 million dollars a year and killing the sport everyday. By proxy, throw the rest of the owners in there as well for pushing this train off the cliff.

This whole thing makes me sick.
So much hate for ESPN in this post.

While I disagree with ESPN's methods a lot of the time, they probably didn't want to credit the source because of the history this source/writer may have over at SI.com with A-Fraud/Roid/whatever nickname you want to use.

Also, the source just had information, but not the direct answer from Alex Rodriguez himself, therefore, Gammons is a credible source to credit the story to.

Also, they are putting Lil Wayne on "Around the Horn" because he's actually a credited writer over at ESPN.com about some things, and has done some work for them. Also, on times when he's been on "First Take", he's actually been entertaining.

So while I understand where your anger is coming from, I think you are misplacing it. A-Rod, the Player's Union, those who blatantly cheated.. Selig for being the worst Commish of all time.. they should be detested, and punished. ESPN? They are just doing their best as the "World Wide Leader" and reporting something, even if they are overboard with it, like the Favre thing last year. That and without Football, there's not a lot to talk about right now.

Also, I know ESPN pulls a lot of celebs and such into their ranks, or hires coaches who just retire, and all that.. but ever since the Disney thing, it's been sort of normal over there. :/ That's why people like Dan Patrick left. Heck, I don't even like SI.com. I think both are rather bleh.

[krazymed]

I don't have an intense hate for ESPN, it's just that they always do this. Alex Rodriguez does not do that interview without the SI report, would it have killed any of the FIVE people on that show to mention that? For example, Tony Kornheiser on PTI mentioned it in the first minute of that show. The whole incident started with the report on Saturday, not the interview that had not yet aired on TV. That annoyed me.

And yes, Li'l Wayne and busting the interview screams overkill, so I'll just avoid both.

Don't get me wrong, 99 percent of my anger is at baseball. If this were any other job, say my job, I would have left the second this story came out. I can't trust my union, my boss, my co-workers, or even myself. No one has said that the players were actually told if they tested positive, and in my job, people are not told until they fail a test, at which point they are promptly fired.

[silverwings]

That might not be necessarily true. Depending on how he handles all of this first, its not like A-Rod put up these huge numbers in 03. If anything, they were pretty pedestrian when compared to his seasons with the Yankees. And because he didnt show up on the Mitchell Report and since Testing has gotten way stronger (therefore we can assume he hasnt used Seteroids since) and since he has abohter 10 years left in him, he can very easily repair his image. This will tranish his legacy, but not on Roger Clemens or Barry Bonds type levels.

If A-Rod - or any juicer for that matter - makes it into the Hall before Pete Rose does, there is no justice in the world.

And its not a one time use. He admitted using it for 3 seasons. That's not a tarnish, that's a scar.:sweat:

[Ajax]

If A-Rod - or any juicer for that matter - makes it into the Hall before Pete Rose does, there is no justice in the world.

And its not a one time use. He admitted using it for 3 seasons. That's not a tarnish, that's a scar.:sweat:Yeah I heard the Peter Gammons interview too, so yeah he did for three years, thats just it though, he only did it for three years. In 07 he had his best season ever, and there hasnt been any decline in his production since 03, if anything it has gotten better. I think A-Rod is in a better postion to repair his image because he obviously did not need the roids (damn rereading that paragraph, I sound like an A-Roid fan loz)



expected "A-Roid." Then again, 'round Boston, we've always called him "A-Fraud." The rivalry runs deepSpeaking of Boston, I wouldnt be surprised if some Red Soxs players showed up on that list, namely Big Papi, Nomar and Varitek. All of there stats have been on the decline and all of them have suffered mysterious injuries since testing became stronger...

[Wonderwall]

People can say all the stuff they want but at least he came out and said "I did it and I did it for awhile", he could have easily denied it despite being told that admitting the truth is the better route. I imagine guys like Bonds, Clemens, Palmiero, McGwire, etc were told that admitting it would be better but that their massive egos got in the way. Now look at them, probably denied HOF induction and in some cases maybe even jail time.

[dtemplar]

Is there any way to put all baseball players to take a lie detecter test to find out if they're taking steroids.

[Terror of Death]

Making roids legal in sports is the quickest solution to all this nonsense. Like the movie Bigger, Stronger, Faster asks is it wrong if everyone does it? That kind of mentality should never be applied to every aspect of life but juicing doesn’t hurt any one (well, there is roid rage and health risks but those who choose to take them have to deal with the consequences) so it should be okay in sports.

Fans will be more entertained because players score better and perform record breaking feats. Players will be on an equal playing field and take their skills to no heights. It would suck for the fan and players who feel taking steroids is unsportsmanlike and immoral but the majority of people would probably be happy.

Note: That’s my unbiased opinion. My personal opinion is that its dishonorable and those who engage in the activity for an unfair advantage should be punished.

[Condiment King]

Making roids legal in sports is the quickest solution to all this nonsense. Like the movie Bigger, Stronger, Faster asks is it wrong if everyone does it? That kind of mentality should never be applied to every aspect of life but juicing doesn’t hurt any one (well, there is roid rage and health risks but those who choose to take them have to deal with the consequences) so it should be okay in sports.

Fans will be more entertained because players score better and perform record breaking feats. Players will be on an equal playing field and take their skills to no heights. It would suck for the fan and players who feel taking steroids is unsportsmanlike and immoral but the majority of people would probably be happy.

Note: That’s my unbiased opinion. My personal opinion is that its dishonorable and those who engage in the activity for an unfair advantage should be punished.
... But if they made steroids legal, they would be encouraging athletes to take health risks and potentially begin having roid rage. That would be a tremendously unethical act by baseball.

I also feel like not all fans love what steroids most infamously provides -- more home runs. Frankly I am just the opposite. I absolutely love pitcher's duels, though apparently Roger Clemens may have pitched a few more of those too due to steroids.

[Terror of Death]

... But if they made steroids legal, they would be encouraging athletes to take health risks and potentially begin having roid rage. That would be a tremendously unethical act by baseball.

They could have two leagues. One for players who choose to take steroids and one for players who don't. That way everyone is happy.


People can say all the stuff they want but at least he came out and said "I did it and I did it for awhile", he could have easily denied it despite being told that admitting the truth is the better route. I imagine guys like Bonds, Clemens, Palmiero, McGwire, etc were told that admitting it would be better but that their massive egos got in the way. Now look at them, probably denied HOF induction and in some cases maybe even jail time.

Yeah, but he was forced to admit it due to his name being leaked. Had the info not been leaked he probably would never admitted to doing it. He lied on 60 minutes about not juicing just last year yet he claims he stopped taking them in 03. What was he afraid of? I think he was still juicing well past 03.

Like they say people aren't sorry when they do something wrong, there just sorry they were caught.

[Wonderwall]

Yeah, but he was forced to admit it due to his name being leaked. Had the info not been leaked he probably would never admitted to doing it. He lied on 60 minutes about not juicing just last year yet he claims he stopped taking them in 03. What was he afraid of? I think he was still juicing well past 03.

Like they say people aren't sorry when they do something wrong, there just sorry they were caught.

Well that's true he could have also kept denying it much like some of the other guys whose names have been named. I actually thought he'd deny it or just not say anything for a lot longer than he did. Well isn't that the only time to say sorry:p I don't think I know many people who say sorry without getting caught redhanded first. I'm not really defending his actions, frankly I don't care that much, but I just thought it was surprising he came admitted it so quickly after being caught.

[Hobbes829]

Their problem is lack of ego. If they had a lot of confidence in their ability and pride in their craft, then they wouldn't take steroids or HGH.

[Burgundy Ranger]

My only real read is that he's somehow hoping that, by admitting and somewhat apologizing, that he can get the same benefit of the doubt that he's seen being given to his Yankee teammates, Pettitte and Giambi.

Those two are clearly not in the same boat of public/press scrutiny as Bonds, Clemens, McGwire, etc.

But will he get it?

[Leaping Larry Jojo]

Is there any way to put all baseball players to take a lie detecter test to find out if they're taking steroids.

Lie detector tests can be beaten.

That said, I'm not sure if people should go on a lynching crusade on baseball players prior to testing. It's really MLB's fault for turning a blind eye to this all these years, and I don't see any point, really, to all the money spent on archival research just to say "Okay, these guys were CHEATING!"

[dtemplar]

Lie detector tests can be beaten.

That said, I'm not sure if people should go on a lynching crusade on baseball players prior to testing. It's really MLB's fault for turning a blind eye to this all these years, and I don't see any point, really, to all the money spent on archival research just to say "Okay, these guys were CHEATING!"

Maybe you're right, the reason why polygraphs aren't admissible in a court of law is become some pathelogical liars can beat them.

[Kitschensyngk]

This is why I'm a basketball person.

You don't hear about the steroid users in basketball.





Just the sex offenders. :p

[Condiment King]

This is why I'm a basketball person.

You don't hear about the steroid users in basketball.





Just the sex offenders. :p
And corrupt referees.

[Beat]

Combat sports have the harshest penalties for steroid usage, fines and suspensions. Baseball should follow suit.

[Road to Gotham]

Donald Fear and Gene Orza, the leaders of the players Union should step down. They are a disgrace to baseball.

[TheTerror]

Even though I am against steroids in pro sports, I do have to say that all it does is make you stronger, it does not help a hitters hand/eye coordination and hitting skill, all it does is make them hit the ball longer.

[BonyT]

My first reaction when I hear about MLBers juicing these days is, "well, it's hardly surprising anymore" -- but in fact, I actually was surprised to hear it about A-Rod somehow. Apart from the fact that you just didn't see the dramatic and sudden change in A-Rod's physique that was such a dead giveaway with Bonds or McGwire, I guess it was just that, you know, A-Rod seems like such a good bet to supplant Bonds as Home Run King; and despite the fact that I DESPISE the Yanks, I suppose I had been looking forward to having a HR King who didn't need an * by his name in the record books in anybody's mind. Well, so much for that, huh?


This is why I'm a basketball person.

You don't hear about the steroid users in basketball.





Just the sex offenders. :pThe idea of gaining some advantage from juicing is a little harder to associate with basketball I think. The dynamics of the game are such that it's not as obviously about raw power as either football or hitting in baseball seem to be.

[stellargellar]

what a shame... yankees fans who talked about bonds now have nothing to say. :D

[Ajax]

what a shame... yankees fans who talked about bonds now have nothing to say. :DUh...............Yankee fans havent been able to say anything for quite a while there sunshine. I mean take ur pick, Giambi, Pettie, Roger fricking Clemens. So yeah........

[Leaping Larry Jojo]

This is why I'm a basketball person.

You don't hear about the steroid users in basketball.




I'm a basketball person as well, but many fans (me included) don't think for a second that there aren't steroid users in the NBA (both currently and in the past). It's not as much a focus in the NBA, but I'm pretty sure it's there. An 82 game season (or more) is a grind, steroids can help a player's recuperative abilities by a lot.