Yankees Breaking News: Alex Rodriguez Releases Statement To The Fans

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

What started off as a quiet day has turned into a blockbuster. First Anthony Bosch, the owner of Biogenesis, has been sentenced to four years in federal prison for his role in recent steroid issues in baseball. Now, Alex Rodriguez has released a statement to the media.

Rodriguez released a hand written letter to the media for the fans, according to Andrew Marchand. In it, he called the New York Yankees “gracious” for offering him Yankee Stadium to hold a formal press conference. Rodriguez decided not to use the forum. It appears that this is his one release to talk about the past with the fans. In the letter he says, “The next time I am in Yankee Stadium, I should be in pinstripes doing my job.”

Rodriguez seems to finally understand that he is responsible for the last few years. He states, “I take full responsibility for the mistakes that led to my suspension for the 2014 season. I regret that my actions made the situation worse than it needed to be. To Major League Baseball, the Yankees, the Steinbrenner family, the Players Association, and you, the fans, I can only say I’m sorry.” Rodriguez goes on to say that the matter is behind him and he is ready to play ball.

I admit that I have been extremely critical of Rodriguez in the past year. Many fans may not agree, saying that he is a Yankee and he always deserves our support. I was not in that boat, but this letter now puts me on the side of being ready to accept him back on the club. He finishes the letter with, “I will do everything I can to be the best player and teammate possible, earn a spot on the Yankees and help us win.” That statement speaks a lot about his mindset coming into 2015. Earning a spot on a team is not something he has ever really had to do his entire career. If he truly believes that he needs to earn his way back, I cannot imagine anyone working harder than him to get to where he wants to be.

You can read the letter in its entirety here.