Alex Rodriguez wrote a letter “to the fans” with spring training just days away to apologize for past transgressions that led to his suspension by Major League Baseball for using performance-enhancing drugs.
The five-paragraph letter, addressed to the fans, was written by hand and released Tuesday. It offered no specifics about his past actions.
The 39-year-old Rodriguez declined the Yankees’ offer to use Yankee Stadium for a news conference but expressed his thanks to the team.
“The next time I am in Yankee Stadium, I should be in pinstripes doing my job,” Rodriguez wrote.
The three-time American League MVP was suspended for the 2014 season after violating baseball’s drug program and labor contract. Rodriguez was found to have used three banned substances and also tried to obstruct justice during baseball’s investigation of the Biogenesis case.
“I take full responsibility for the mistakes that led to my suspension for the 2014 season,” Rodriguez said. “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.
“I accept the fact that many of you will not believe my apology or anything that I say at this point. I understand why and that’s on me.”
Rodriguez has three years left on a $61 million contract with the Yankees, who begin full-squad workouts in Florida on Feb. 26.
“I served the longest suspension in the history of the League for PED use,” Rodriguez said. “The commissioner has said the matter is over. The Players Association has said the same. The Yankees have said the next step is to play baseball. I’m ready to put this chapter behind me and play some ball.
“This game has been my single biggest passion since I was a teenager. When I go to spring training, I will do everything I can to be the best player and teammate possible, earn a spot on the Yankees and help us win.”
Rodriguez met with Yankees officials last week and apologized to the team. The Yankees had wanted Rodriguez to meet with the media before spring training in an attempt to prevent distractions that his presence is expected to cause.