For Rodriguez, it was a fine day on the field, as it often is. But in the clubhouse, it was another matter, as he again had to deal with questions tied to the use of performance-enhancing drugs.This is all just frustrating to this Yankees fan. I really thought last year was the turning point for A-Rod. It all started with being outed as a steroid user--the low point of his career. Then, he suffered the first major injury of his career, putting his season in doubt. It was rock-bottom for A-Rod. But he fought through it all, came back sooner than expected, had a very good regular season, and then led the Yankees to their 27th world championship.
Before the game, Rodriguez told reporters there was nothing new to say about when he would meet with federal authorities. They want to ask Rodriguez what he knows about Anthony Galea, a Toronto-based doctor who has been charged by Canadian authorities with conspiring to smuggle drugs and is under investigation in this country by various federal authorities.
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But a meeting with federal investigators — something Rodriguez is believed not to have had — comes with more stringent parameters. The person being questioned is essentially under oath and can face criminal charges if the authorities conclude he was not truthful.
Several athletes have been punished in recent years because of their statements to federal authorities. For example, the track star Marion Jones pleaded guilty in 2007 to lying to federal agents about her use of performance-enhancing drugs and was sentenced to six months in prison.
... Rodriguez was asked by reporters Monday if Galea had ever treated him and replied: “I can’t really get into that. You’ll know within time, all at the same time.”
Several people who have been briefed on the investigation said federal authorities had been told that Galea treated Rodriguez at some point. They did not want to be identified because they were discussing a continuing investigation.
The Yankees themselves are not sure what to think. They do not know if Galea treated Rodriguez; they know only that they did not authorize Galea to do so.
Now, we have this crap. More questions about PEDs, more suspicion, and another distraction for A-Rod and the team around him.
Like I said the other day, I'm not going to jump to conclusions and assume he's guilty of anything besides dealing with a doctor he probably shouldn't have. I know he was tested a few times last year and since he hasn't been suspended I have to assume that they all came back clean. So, for now, there's no reason to believe he used again. But could you imagine if it's found out that he was using HGH while recovering from hip surgery?
