Projo Sports Blog

Since news broke Saturday that Alex Rodriguez had tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003, it has been assumed that the Yankees slugger would face no punishment because the test in question was supposed to have been kept confidential and not to have carried any penalty. But maybe not.

Commissioner Bud Selig has told USA Today that he has not ruled out a suspension for A-Rod. Selig said he had sent a memo banning steroids in 1997 -- although there was no punitive testing program in place until 2004 -- and there were other factors involved, the commissioner said:

"It was against the law, so I would have to think about that," Selig said, referring to a possible suspension.

He later added: "This is breaking my heart, I don't mind telling you that."

Reaction to Rodriguez's admission earlier this week that he did use performance-enhancing drugs from 2001 to 2003 generated plenty of reaction yesterday.

Here's a sampling of the comments:

Yankees teammate Joba Chamberlain: "He's still going to be the Alex that we can count on and be there for us,. He's going to be a friend forever. You look at it that way and you understand what it's about and go on. He's going to go and play everyday like he always does. He's one the greatest players to ever play." (AP)

Hall of Famer Goose Gossage: "I don't think any of them belong in the Hall of Fame. If you cheated and used performance-enhancing drugs you don't belong in there. If they let Alex in, they have to let Bonds in. If they let Bonds in, they have to let McGwire in. The history of the game is at stake and the most treasured thing in baseball is its history." (Colorado Springs Gazette)

Rays manager Joe Maddon: "He's being vilified. Of course he's part of it, but there are a whole bunch of other names that are going to be exposed. So to really just to hang it on one guy and just destroy his whole being, basically, I don't agree with that necessarily." (St. Petersburg Times)

Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt: "I feel that going out there natural against these guys that are taking the drugs is not fair to me. They're already All-Star players and they're taking drugs. That's not fair for me. They're cheating. ... Their numbers shouldn't count. They should have their own record book, and it shouldn't count. All the guys before us they're cheating them. These guys from the past are in the Hall of Fame, and these guys [who are on steroids] are breaking their records. It shouldn't count. It's not fair." (Houston Chronicle)

 Tags  Alex Rodriguez Bud Selig Goose Gossage Joba Chamberlain Joe Maddon New York Yankees Roy Oswalt steroids

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