TAMPA, Fla. — Alex Rodriguez has done what Derek Jeter suggested: He responded to reports he tested positive for steroids, and Rodriguez admitted to taking them.
“I did take a banned substance. For that I’m very sorry and deeply regretful,” Rodriguez told ESPN today.
Earlier in the day, Jeter said Rodriguez should be given a chance to address allegations he used steroids before passing judgment.
“You have to give him the benefit of the doubt,” Jeter told reporters at the Yankees’ training complex.
“My initial reaction is, let him respond,” Jeter said. “Give him the respect to respond to it before you pass judgment.”
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Sports Illustrated reported Saturday that Rodriguez tested positive for two steroids in 2003 while a member of the Texas Rangers.
Rodriguez told ESPN he used performance-enchancers from 2001-03 while with the Rangers and has not used any since. Due to the “loosey-goosey” atmosphere of the time, Rodriguez said, he could not specify what he took.
“Yeah, of course, everybody was shocked by it,” Jeter said of the SI.com report. “You’ve got to find out both sides of the story before you make any assessment.”
Rodriguez refused comment in the SI.com story and after it was released. He gave his initial response to ESPN reporter Peter Gammons; the entire interview airs tonight at 6 p.m.
Jorge Posada said today he was surprised by the report but would support Rodriguez.
“I’ve gotta say Alex is my teammate and is gonna be my friend forever,” Posada said. “I’m gonna support him any way I can.”
Posada said he sent Rodriguez a text message but has not heard back. Jeter would not say if he has reached out to Rodriguez since the test results were reported.
Jeter said he is not worried that he also is included in the survey testing of 104 positive players that was supposed to remain anonymous.
“Why would I worry about me being on the list?” Jeter said.
Posada is not concerned, either.
“I hope not. I thik I’ve done things right,” Posada said.
Jeter said the situation would not deter the Yankees’ preparation for the season.
“It’s a lot of questions that’s the biggest thing …,” Jeter said. “Besides the initial questions that you get, you can only talk about it so much.”
But Posada said it could wear on Rodriguez.
“It’s going to be a tough spring training for Alex,” Posada said. “But as soon as he talks about it, whatever he is going to do or say, put it behind him as soon as he can.”
With AP; ESPN