Alex Rodriguez returns this season after a suspension from Major League Baseball that lasted for 211 games. The New York Yankees and Alex, after spending the entire process at war behind the scenes and publicly, met. The Yankees offered Yankee Stadium for him to offer a formal apology to the fans via press conference. Alex declined.
“It was gracious of the Yankees to offer me use of Yankee Stadium for this apology but I decided the next time I am there, I should be in pinstripes doing my job.”
Alex wrote.
He chose instead to present a handwritten letter where he touched on the suspension for use of performance -enhancing drugs.
“I take full responsibility for the mistakes that led to my suspension.
” Alex wrote.
The circus atmosphere that preceded the suspension was a strain on the team during that period.
“I regret that my actions made the situation worse than it needed to be.”
Though sorry on paper, athletes apologizing has become commonplace and lost much of its sting. Though Alex may be sincere, it may be lost in the shuffle.
“I accept the fact that many of you will not believe anything I have to say at this point.”
Alex pointed out in the letter,
“I understand why and that’s on me.”
The Yankees still owe Alex $61 million over three final years. It appears they are praying for a renaissance of some sort. Yet after refusing to let Alex play winter ball and announcing that he may not play in the field, this apology seems to have been contrived to make fans forget the fuss and refocus on a man who was once baseball’s best player who may now be only a shell of himself. No Derek Jeter makes Alex the last major story on this Yankee team devoid of stars to write about as well as a desperate attempt to fill seats. What does an apology mean today? We will find out on opening day.
