seems no doubt Rodriguez was a great player who lacked what it took to resist cheating to be better .. to reduce that way down deep feeling of insecurity .. that he doubted himself so much he got hooked and that he has repeatedly lied about his usage .. on the other hand there are questions about the severity of his suspension .. two views here, one on both situations .. oh, and it's interesting that even Verducci within his total condemnation of Rodriguez says what he says in the one bit here .. it's the last bit ..
Amidst noise, a simple truth: A-Rod finally accountable for PED use
Tom Verducci: Mon August 5, 2013 3:05PM; Updated: Mon August 5, 2013 5:25PM
POLL: Is A-Rod's suspension too long, too short or just right?
Both Rodriguez and MLB did well to reach a compromise today. Baseball could have used the power of the commissioner to keep Rodriguez off the field while his appeal is heard. Bud Selig was smart not to overplay his hand. Let the appeal be about Rodriguez's doping regimen and not about the commissioner's power.
And Rodriguez rightfully gets to play baseball again. No athlete wants to have a career end like this -- with a suspension after a brutal postseason and an extensive rehab after surgery. Rodriguez at least gets to get on the field again, to see what he has left in a body that is breaking down. Maybe he can't play the game at a high level any more. But at least he will get to find the answer. It is what athletes do; they compete until they have nothing left.
We don't know what Rodriguez has left. Maybe the next two months while the appeal is heard are as ugly as last October. Maybe they hint at a renewal of his skills. He deserves the chance to find out. The problem lies not with what is left in his career. It lies with trying to find any authenticity in what it was.
btw: lol, i fully understand, in spite of his cheating, his weaknesses, his lying, his irresponsible life and his suggested selfishness, anyone feeling some sympathy him .. in spite of it all, and recognizing all that .. i do, too ..
A-Rod never challenged MLB's "proof" - he just objects to his punishment. heck I read that he always gets booed anyway - Opposing fans traditionally boo opposing good hittera, but now YANKEE fans will also boo A-Rod - and rightfully so.