MLB

SLUGGER SHRUGS OFF STEROID STORM WITH TRIP TO THE GYM

It was back to business as usual for Alex Rodriguez yesterday – with the Yankees superstar acting as if massive headlines about his confession of past steroid use were no big thing.

Rodriguez began his day in Miami as he normally did before last weekend’s disclosure that he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003.

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Looking relaxed, smiling and carrying a plastic bag full of fruit, Rodriguez strolled into the Hecht Athletic Center gym at the University of Miami for a workout that lasted about 90 minutes.

The Hecht Center is the same place where Sports Illustrated reporter Selena Roberts confronted the Bombers third baseman on Thursday about the failed steroid test.

Roberts’ subsequent story on SI.com spurred A-Rod to do an interview with ESPN on Monday in which he admitted using the performance-enhancing drugs from 2001 to 2003 while playing for the Rangers.

After his workout, Rodriguez skipped his normal practice of running and throwing baseballs at the campus, and drove off in his car after calling university police to shoo away reporters and photographers. He made no comment to the waiting media.

Rodriguez then headed to the home of his ex-wife Cynthia, where he spent several hours. Afterward, he drove in his Maybach to a downtown Coral Gables building, where his real estate company has offices.

The Post has learned that less than a week ago, as SI.com was breaking its story and as A-Rod’s camp tried to deal with it, Rodriguez retained a Newport Beach, Calif., public relations firm that specializes in crisis management.

The firm, Outside Eyes, is headed by Reed Dickens, a former assistant press secretary for President George W. Bush. Outside Eyes partner Ben Porritt, who also worked in the Bush White House, more recently was involved in Sen. John McCain’s presidential campaign and in handling press for McCain’s running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

Porritt yesterday said his firm has worked for a variety of media companies, other businesses and sports figures facing controversy. He declined to discuss individual clients.