Rodriguez Reportedly Failed Steroid Test

posted: Feb 7th 2009 11:35:32

NEW YORK (Feb. 7) - Alex Rodriguez tested positive for steroids in his MVP season of 2003, according to a report by Sports Illustrated.
A-Rod's ControversiesChris Carlson, AP12 photos The Sports Illustrated report that superstar Alex Rodriguez failed a drug test when he was the American League MVP in 2003 with the Texas Rangers is the latest in a long line of controversies surrounding him. Find out more about A-Rod's checkered past.

A-Rods Controversies
The Sports Illustrated report that superstar Alex Rodriguez failed a drug test when he was the American League MVP in 2003 with the Texas Rangers is the latest in a long line of controversies surrounding him. Find out more about A-Rod's checkered past.

Chris Carlson, AP

Former manager Joe Torre's recently-released book, 'The Yankee Years', has only added to his 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 has put him in the middle of another firestorm, as A-Rod chose to join David Ortiz's Dominican squad over the nation of his birth.

Kena Betancur, AP

Rodriguez also has rumored to be dating pop star Madonna, with numerous reports of the two spending time together.

Jim Rogash, Getty Images

Many called this slide last May 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, grabbing the ire of fans and officials of trying to grab the spotlight as the Yankees' big rivals were closing in on their second title in four seasons. He later resigned 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 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


The New York Yankees star tested positive for two anabolic steroids, four sources told Sports Illustrated in a story posted Saturday on its Web site.
His name appears on a list of 104 players who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in a 2003 baseball survey, the magazine said. He reportedly tested positive for Primobolan and testosterone while playing for the Texas Rangers.
Rodriguez declined to discuss the tests when approached by SI on Thursday at a Miami gym.
"I'm not saying anything... You'll have to talk to the union," he told a reporter. Calls from SI to union head Donald Fehr were not returned.
An e-mail from The Associated Press to Rodriguez's agent, Scott Boras, was not immediately returned. The Yankees and Fehr had no comment.
In a December 2007 interview with "60 Minutes," three days after George Mitchell's report on drugs in the sport was released, Rodriguez denied using peformance-enhancing drugs.
"I've never felt overmatched on the baseball field. ... I felt that if I did my, my work as I've done since I was, you know, a rookie back in Seattle, I didn't have a problem competing at any level," he said.
Baseball and SteroidsCharles Krupa, AP13 photos According to a Sports Illustrated report, Alex Rodriguez failed a steroid test while a member of the Texas Rangers in 2003. Find out more players who have been accused of performance enhancing-drugs or tested positive.(Note: Please disable your pop-up blocker)
Baseball and Steroids
According to a Sports Illustrated report, Alex Rodriguez failed a steroid test while a member of the Texas Rangers in 2003. Find out more players who have been accused of performance enhancing-drugs or tested positive.

Charles Krupa, AP

Roger Clemens is under fire for insisting in a hearing that he did not use performance-enhancing drugs - despite what his former personal trainer has claimed.

Pablo Martinez Monsivais, AP

Barry Bonds, baseball's home run king, faces charges of lying for a jury after testifying he did not use steroids, despite reports that he did fail drug tests.

Paul Sakuma, AP

Jose Canseco admitted he used steroids in his book "Juiced," and also named several of his former teammates as also using drugs.

Mark Wilson, Getty Images

Giants minor league catcher Eliezer Alfonzo suspended last June for 50 games after he failed a drug test.

Chris Graythen, Getty Images

Braves top prospect Jordan Schafer was suspended 50 games last season by the commissioner's office for violating the minor league drug program. Schafer was caught in possession of human growth hormone.

Elsa, Getty Images

In 2007, outfielder Jose Guillen received a 15-day suspension following media reports linking him to performance-enhancing drugs. Guillen's suspension was eliminated as part of baseball's new agreement on drug testing.

Jamie Squire, Getty Images

Outfielder Jay Gibbons was suspended in 2007 after being linked to HGH use. Following the suspension, Gibbons admitted receiving human growth hormone in 2005 and apologized, but was released by the Orioles before they opened the regular season. Gibbons signed a minor-league deal with the Marlins last month.

Scott A. Schneider, Getty Images

Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada was mentioned in the Mitchell Report in connection with reported purchases of steroids. Last January, the FBI announced that it launched an investigation into whether Tejada lied to federal investigators.

Doug Benc, Getty Images

Last December, Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts issued an apology and admitted to using steroids on a single occasion in 2003 shortly after he was named in the Mitchell Report.

Doug Benc, Getty Images



Source: http://www.fanhouse.com/news/mlb/alex-rodriguez-reportedly-failed-2003/333199?icid=200100397x1218634034x1201227593

(Continues below)

(continues)

Rodriguez played for the Rangers in 2003, when he won the AL home run title and MVP award. He was traded to the Yankees in 2004. He is drawing a major league-high $27 million salary after signing a record $275 million, 10-year contract with New York in 2007.
The revelations come at a time when baseball's focus on drugs has concerned Barry Bonds and the legal maneuvering leading to the start of his trial March 2. The government is trying to prove the home run king lied when he told a grand jury he never knowingly took performance-enhancing drugs.
Rodriguez until now has had an offseason dominated by talk of disclosures in Joe Torre's recently released book. The former Yankee manager wrote of the pressure A-Rod puts on himself and the third baseman's need to command the stage. Torre said some in the Yankees clubhouse referred to Rodriguez as "A-Fraud," although Torre made light of that during interviews promoting his book, "The Yankee Years."
Baseball's drug policy prohibited the use of steroids without a valid prescription since 1991, but there were no penalties for a positive test in 2003.
As part of an agreement with the players' union, the testing in 2003 was conducted to determine if it was necessary to impose mandatory random drug testing across the major leagues in 2004.
The results of the testing of 1,198 players were meant to be anonymous under the agreement between the commissioner's office and the union. SI reported that Rodriguez's testing information was found after federal agents, with search warrants, seized the 2003 results from Comprehensive Drug Testing, Inc., in Long Beach, California.
That was one of two labs used by baseball in connection with the testing. The seizure in April 2004 was part of the government's investigation into 10 baseball players linked to the BALCO scandal, the magazine reported. Rodriguez has not been connected to BALCO.
Latest Baseball PhotosAP500 photos New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez, right, throws a ball as teammate Jose Guillen looks on, during a practice session in Boca Chica, Dominican Republic, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009. Rodriguez is joining the Dominican team, that began his training for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. (AP Photo/Kena Betancur)(Note: Please disable your pop-up blocker)
Latest MLB Photos
Pitcher Francisco Butto of Tigres de Aragua of Venezuela pitch against Venados de Mazatlan of Mexico, during the 2009 Baseball Caribbean Series on February 6, 2009, in Mexicali, northern Mexico. The Caribbean Series will run until February 7. AFP PHOTO/Ronaldo Schemidt (Photo credit should read Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Players of Tigres de Aragua of Venezuela celebrates his victory in the 2009 Baseball Caribbean Series on February 6, 2009 in game against Venados de Mazatlan of Mexico, in Mexicali, northern Mexico. The Caribbean Series will run until February 7. AFP PHOTO/Ronaldo Schemidt (Photo credit should read Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Players of Tigres de Aragua of Venezuela celebrates his victory in the 2009 Baseball Caribbean Series on February 6, 2009 in game against Venados de Mazatlan of Mexico, in Mexicali, northern Mexico. The Caribbean Series will run until February 7. AFP PHOTO/Ronaldo Schemidt (Photo credit should read Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Barry Bonds arrives for the 2009 MusiCares Person of the Year gala in honor of Neil Diamond in Los Angeles, February 6, 2009. REUTERS/Danny Moloshok (UNITED STATES)

Reuters

Barry Bonds and his wife Liz Watson arrive for the 2009 MusiCares Person of the Year gala in honor of Neil Diamond in Los Angeles, February 6, 2009. REUTERS/Danny Moloshok (UNITED STATES)

Reuters

Barry Bonds and his wife Liz Watson arrive for the 2009 MusiCares Person of the Year gala in honor of Neil Diamond in Los Angeles, February 6, 2009. REUTERS/Danny Moloshok (UNITED STATES)

Reuters

Barry Bonds and his wife Liz Watson arrive for the 2009 MusiCares Person of the Year gala in honor of Neil Diamond in Los Angeles, February 6, 2009. REUTERS/Danny Moloshok (UNITED STATES)

Reuters

Players of Tigres de Aragua of Venezuela celebrates his victory in the 2009 Baseball Caribbean Series on February 6, 2009 in game against Venados de Mazatlan of Mexico, in Mexicali, northern Mexico. The Caribbean Series will run until February 7. AFP PHOTO/Ronaldo Schemidt (Photo credit should read Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Players of Tigres de Aragua of Venezuela celebrates his victory in the 2009 Baseball Caribbean Series on February 6, 2009 in game against Venados de Mazatlan of Mexico, in Mexicali, northern Mexico. The Caribbean Series will run until February 7. AFP PHOTO/Ronaldo Schemidt (Photo credit should read Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Players of Tigres de Aragua of Venezuela celebrates his victory in the 2009 Baseball Caribbean Series on February 6, 2009 in game against Venados de Mazatlan of Mexico, in Mexicali, northern Mexico. The Caribbean Series will run until February 7. AFP PHOTO/Ronaldo Schemidt (Photo credit should read Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images


Primobolan, also known as methenolone, is an injected or orally administered drug. It improves strength and maintains lean muscle with minimal bulk development and few side effects. Bonds tested positive three times for methenolone, according to court documents unsealed by a federal judge Wednesday.
Primobolan is not an approved prescription drug in the United States. Testosterone can be taken legally with a prescription.

Source: http://www.fanhouse.com/news/mlb/alex-rodriguez-reportedly-failed-2003/333199?icid=200100397x1218634034x1201227593

Op-Extra Columnist | Heading Home

No Tipping, Please
By DOUG GLANVILLE
Published: May 5, 2009



Alex Rodriguez is in a horrible spot.

Where do you go when, having focused your life on that one thing you can be the best at, you realize that because of choices you made things will never again be the same in anyone else’s eyes? After a decade of the world seeing Alex as the likeliest candidate to be the next “legitimate” home run king, it all went out the window.

And the bad space he is in just got worse. The latest bomb was dropped in Selena Roberts’ new book, “A-Rod: The Many Lives of Alex Rodriguez”: an allegation that he was tipping pitches to friends on other teams.

Tipping pitches involves watching your opponent like a well-trained code-breaker. It most often happens when there is a runner at second base, where he is in a unique position to steal any signs the catcher is relaying to the pitcher — so well positioned, in fact, that catchers and pitchers have a special set of signs for that situation. We all know the basic signs — one finger for fastball, two fingers for curve. But with a runner on second, the real sign may be the one right after an indicator: for example, it could be the first sign after the catcher puts down three fingers, or the second sign after he wiggles all of his fingers.

Apart from the pitcher and the runner on second, the two people who can see those signs best are the middle infielders — the shortstop and the second baseman. They are both busybodies, moving around, trying to pick off the runner, giving signs to each other regarding who should cover on a steal or a double play started from a ball hit back to the pitcher.

As a centerfielder (which I was for part of a season behind Alex, who played shortstop then), I also had a pretty great seat for what the pitcher was about to do. I couldn’t see the catcher’s signs, but I could see where the catcher was positioned. Combined with a mental (and sometimes physical) notebook of information containing the patterns and tendencies of our pitching staff and the opposing hitters, this vantage point resulted in a great sense of what pitch is coming at what time. This also allows a centerfielder to get a head start (ironically called “cheating”) by leaning or moving a step or two one way or another as he anticipates where the ball may end up.

A savvy opponent may in turn start paying attention to those key defensive players who are most prone to “tip” off the plan of the pitcher. Should they move too soon, they might clue in the other team as to what is coming (which is why catchers are taught to set-up “late”). While the tip might not be as specific as, say, “fork ball,” it could be enough to know whether the next pitch is going to be slow or fast. But rarely is there time for the discoverer of these tips (he could be a coach, or anyone on the bench paying close attention) to relay this new information to the batter or any runners to benefit.

Unless, somehow, the hitter at the plate decodes your system. He has a bat in his hand, and can clearly see the shortstop and second baseman. He can inflict instant damage.

So, according to the latest story, Alex is connected to some pitch-tipping scheme in which he relayed signs to the opposing hitter (if he was a friend) or for someone who would return the favor when he was hitting. This was supposedly done in one-sided games where, in theory, one team had no chance of catching up. Alex was said to be in cahoots with a lot of middle infielders. Allegedly, there was some sign he would relay to the hitter — a movement with his glove or his feet — to let the hitter know what type of pitch was coming and where.

Although I have never heard such a rumor about Alex, this may be one of the most egregious charges one can make against a player, and a rare one at that. Should a player know that someone in his own dugout is helping the opposing team, I would venture to say that all-out Armageddon would ensue. Imagine if a pitcher knew that his pitches were being given away to the opposing hitter by his own teammate no less. This spy would have to watch his back.

How would this scheme have been missed for Alex’s entire career? We all know that every time he plays, the camera zooms in on him. Opposing teams watch him obsessively, studying film endlessly. The “A-Rod cam” is on full tilt all the time. So, over a period of years, did the best in the business, the brightest analysts and teammates, miss that he was doing this for his roommate from the year before, or maybe for his cousin’s favorite player? Or did they know it but were afraid to come forward? Is it possible that all of these experts had their heads in the sand?

A more likely scenario for how he may have been tipping pitches: he was sending signals to his own team, something that could easily be stolen by a sage opponent. Just as we knew when certain pitchers were throwing a curveball (based on their glove habits, or the way the catcher crouched), or throwing home instead of picking off to first (the pitcher may have turned his front foot inward, or widened his base).

As players, we know a lot that we aren’t supposed to know.

There is no question that Alex Rodriguez has disillusioned a generation of fans. He strikes me as disillusioned himself — understandably lost over the fragmentation of his family, from worrying endlessly about what everyone thinks of him, lost because, after all he has done on the field, his accomplishments will always have a terrible footnote attached. And lost, more recently, because precisely when he wanted to put aside all these distractions and just play baseball, he found himself on the disabled list, kept away from focusing on the one thing he was trying to preserve.

If in fact there was a pitch-tipping scheme, I would expect a full investigation, not just of Alex but of any player who would share information with his opponent. It is that serious.

Still, we have to be careful not to make Alex Rodriguez our personal pin cushion, where we stick everything bad about baseball (or our lives) on the one person who we wanted to be everything good. I hope these allegations prove to be a misinterpretation of a benign act: a player trying to help his teammates by advancing information. Because this type of charge should never be taken lightly — it affects not just Alex’s reputation, but the game’s. So let’s make sure we uncover what we need to uncover before we rush to conclusions. Without some patience, the game can’t move forward.

And let’s acknowledge that we may never know the truth. That is, if we are actually, genuinely looking for it.

Source:http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/06/opinion/06glanville-tipping.html