New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez has admitted to taking performance enhancing drugs from 2001 to 2003.
ESPN is reporting that Rodriguez, in an exclusive interview with Peter Gammons, has admitted to allegations that surfaced in a recent Sports Illustrated report online.
“I felt an enormous amount of pressure,” Rodriguez told Gammons. “Back then it was a different culture. It was very loose. I was young. I was stupid. I was naive. I wanted to prove to everyone that I was worth, you know, being one of the greatest players of all time, and I did take a banned substance.”
Rodriguez did appear apologetic in talking to Gammons.
“I am very sorry and deeply regretful,” Rodriguez said. “Although it was the culture back then … i just feel that I’m just sorry. I’m sorry for that time. I’m sorry to my fans.”
SI reported last week that four sources independently told the magazine that Arod tested positive for two anabolic steroids at that time. According to SI, Rodriguez’s name appears on a list of 104 players who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in Major League Baseball’s 2003 survey testing, which the MLB Players Association agreed to allow to determine if it was necessary to impose stricter drug testing in baseball.
The drug Rodriguez allegedly tested positive for, Primobolan, is less detectable than many other steroids because its markers stay in the body for less time than other drugs. It is also expensive, costing about $500 per week, SI reported.
Rodriguez called the time a “loosey goosy” era, saying he didn’t “know exactly what substance” he “was guilty of using.”
Rodriguez hit 47 home runs in 2003, good enough for his third consecutive home run title.