A-Rod's Honest Talk on Steroids and Baseball Fame

Alex Rodriguez, now 50, has openly discussed his past steroid use and its impact on his baseball career. He recently shared that he doesn't expect to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, despite his impressive stats.

Admitting to the Past

During an interview on The Today Show, Rodriguez admitted that his new HBO documentary series, Alex vs. A-Rod, isn't a bid for Hall of Fame glory. He acknowledged breaking the rules and accepted the consequences, showing a level of accountability.

The Steroid Scandals

Rodriguez's steroid use first came to light in 2009 when he admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs while playing for the Texas Rangers. He initially denied the allegations but later confessed. His second run-in with steroids occurred between 2010 and 2012 while he was with the New York Yankees, a scandal linked to the Biogenesis clinic in Miami.

A Stellar Career

Despite his controversies, Rodriguez had a stellar career. He won a World Series with the Yankees in 2009 and is a 14-time All-Star. He ranks fifth in career home runs in MLB history, with numbers that surpass 90 percent of Hall of Famers.

The Documentary Series

The documentary series portrays Rodriguez as a "recovering narcissist," a label he embraces. He has been in therapy for over a decade, crediting it with saving his life. His journey from a young talent joining the Seattle Mariners at 18 to signing a record-breaking $252 million deal with the Texas Rangers in 2000 is also highlighted.

Reflecting on His Career

Rodriguez reflected on his career, admitting that he lost his way at times. He acknowledged that his alter ego, "A-Rod," took over, leading to some of his controversies. When asked if he deserved a place in the Hall of Fame, he deferred to others, mentioning baseball legend Hank Aaron's opinion that steroid users like Barry Bonds deserve the accolade.