Alex Rodriguez doesn’t strike me as the folkie type, but he might appreciate the irony in the lyrics to Joni Mitchell’s classic “Both Sides Now.” 

I’ve looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
It’s life’s illusions I recall
I really don’t know life at all 

Let’s contrast A-Rod’s admission with the Mark McGwire debacle while testifying before Congress in 2004 on steroid use in baseball. Under oath, McGwire repeatedly refused to answer direct questions about whether he used steroids and other banned performance-enhancing drugs. A simple “no” would have sufficed but since he was under oath, McGwire dodged the question to avoid perjuring himself.  In those pivotal moments, he appeared ashamed but could not find it in himself to speak the truth.  As someone who viewed his entire testimony, I was convinced, based upon his words and demeanor, that he was guilty of violating the rules of baseball.  McGwire chose to repay the game that had made him a multi-millionaire and transformed him into household name by concealing the truth. 

There were no penalties or suspensions in effect for testing positive for performance-enhancers from 2001-2003 -- baseball remained in a state of denial about the prevalence of drug use until 2004, when penalties were finally introduced. In 2003, however, approximately 1,200 players were tested and of that total 104 came up positive, according to the Sports Illustrated report.  This list of positives was intended to remain anonymous, but when Federal agents armed with search warrants raided the California lab that performed the tests in 2004, the names were uncovered.  Unfortunately for A-Rod, they are now leaking out. 

Unlike Barry Bonds, who was in the twilight of his career when allegations of drug use began surfacing, Alex remains in his prime.  One wonders if he will rethink his pursuit of Bonds’ career home run mark in light of this scandal, since even if he breaks it, his mark will likely be accompanied by an asterisk.  Nearer term, how will the relentless media glare and crush of reporters impact his play?  Even when the media circus surrounding Bonds rivaled the hysteria of Hannah Montana hosting a sleepover for preteen girls, Barry delighted in badgering and baiting reporters.  In contrast, Rodriguez has always remained aloof with the media, perhaps to protect what was until now a fairly wholesome image.  In 2007, he remained stuck on 499 career homers while facing the attendant media crush awaiting the historic next one.  In the face of this onslaught, Rodriguez fell into a 0-22 funk before securing it.  The pressure of that event will pale in comparison to what now awaits him. 

It’s apparent Rodriguez never intended to voluntarily disclose his prior drug use.  Only after being confronted with irrefutable evidence did he enter into confessional mode.  I certainly don’t condone Rodriguez’s using the juice or his womanizing while still a married man.  Was this conduct truly detrimental to the game of baseball?  Of course, but at the end of the day, will anything really change because of it?  Will the Yankees suddenly jettison a virtual lock to hit .300 with 30 homers and 100 RBI?  Not with a new stadium to fill.  It seems the only reason we care one iota about his personal life is because he is arguably the best player in baseball.  That qualifies him as a celebrity and in our culture anything and everything a celebrity does is fair game for the tabloid journalists and television exposes.  The 24/7 media machine needs sustenance and A-Rod just happened to appear on the menu.   

The sincerity of his apology is secondary to the fact Rodriguez preempted endless speculation by coming forth and admitting his wrongdoing.  In our culture, where it seems no crime or misdeed is beyond redemption, A-Rod instituted damage control measures and wisely told the nation he was sorry.  He did so secure in the knowledge he will soon become an afterthought once the next piece of meat is foisted upon America’s grill.     

A-Rod’s saga is another sad reminder that Major League Baseball remains incapable of policing itself.  The stench permeating the air at big league ballparks this season will be the lingering aroma of steroids.  Rodriguez will learn, as have others before him, that while the fragrance doesn’t wash off easily, once you get used to it, the smell isn’t all that bad.

How do you view A-Rod's apology? Let your comments be heard below.

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