New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez issued a handwritten apology on Tuesday for his past use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). In the letter, Rodriguez writes that he takes “full responsibility for [his] mistakes” but says he’s “ready to put this chapter behind me and play some ball.”
Rodriguez was suspended for the entirety of the 2014 season after "clear and convincing evidence'' was found that he used banned substances and then tried to impede the investigation into that alleged PED use. Rodriguez, who is signed with the Yankees for three more years, has already apologized to team officials in person.
Anthony Bosch, the owner of a Florida medical clinic that provided steroids to Rodriguez, among others, was sentenced to four years in federal prison on Tuesday.
Here is the entirety of Rodriguez's handwritten apology, via MLB.com:
To the Fans,
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.
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. It was gracious of the Yankees to offer me the use of Yankee Stadium for this apology, but I decided that next time I am in Yankee Stadium, I should be in pinstripes doing my job.
I served the longest suspension in the history of the league for PED use. 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.
Sincerely,
Alex
Here it is in handwritten form, if that's what you're into: