Are sports writers nitpicking?

[sturg1dj]

I have now read couple of articles by writers who are upset at A-Rod for not being specific in his apology. The part that comes up is when Peter Gammons reads the exact name of the steroid and asks if that is what A-Rod took, A-Rod's reply was he was not sure what he took.

He had already admitted to taking things that he shouldn't and we have the info on the failed test, yet it matters that much that we hear A-Rod say, "this is what I took exactly."




well for the next person who gets caught I have a simple script to go by for your apology that should pacify the media. It goes like this.


I am sorry I took _______ (steroids or HGH or amphetmines...be specific because if you say banned substances it means you are trying to fool people...even if you are already caught). It was a dumb mistake and I regret it (that is important to say). I took it because _______ (Immense pressure, trouble making team, recovering from injury). I only used it _______ (here put exactly how many times you took it...or more accurately put an exact number. Agreeing you took it over 3 seasons like A-Rod is not ok if you don't specifically say you started on A and ended on B. Try doing what Pettite did and say you used it twice and say when even if that makes no sense).

I am sorry I let down my team, the league and my fans.


then, all should be forgiven (unless you broke a record or will break a record then you are just screwed.)

[PVNICK]

I didn't get the whole brouahaha over his not knowing the exact names of what he took. That's pretty unrealistic, these guys must just hate A-Rod and be piling on. They even went so far as to randomly call him out for bringing up Selena Roberts stalking him. Today's Daily News says in its article headline essentially that ARod was lying about that and the article indicates that they did get a call about whether a causeway by his house was public or privat eproperty. They go on to say they were called but couldn't do anything because it is public property so she could stand there forever. Sounds like a stalker to me. A-Rod is going to wind up with opinion on his side because it will look like he is being piled on beyond what is necessary.

[KCGHOST]

Two things we know about the press is that 1) they are a group of vultures, and 2) if you attack one of their own every last one of them will defend their colleague to the the last drop of ink or their last breath depending on the medium they work in.

[Michael Green]

My respect for sportswriters--any media--is limited at best, thanks to the increasing silliness of news and sports coverage. But I do know that Selena Roberts is well-regarded, and for A-Rod (I am so tempted to use the other nicknames) to accuse her of virtually stalking him is contemptible. As with any of us, A-Rod loves the media when they say what he wants them to say and hates them when they report what he doesn't like. He was trying to blame his problems on someone else, and he should be roasted for that.

[PVNICK]

My respect for sportswriters--any media--is limited at best, thanks to the increasing silliness of news and sports coverage. But I do know that Selena Roberts is well-regarded, and for A-Rod (I am so tempted to use the other nicknames) to accuse her of virtually stalking him is contemptible. As with any of us, A-Rod loves the media when they say what he wants them to say and hates them when they report what he doesn't like. He was trying to blame his problems on someone else, and he should be roasted for that.
What would you call his security calling the cops to find out if they can evict her? The woman was doing what would be classified as stalking, SI reporter or not. Read the articles not the headline. Its human nature to point out unpleasant factas about someone who has done the same to you.

[TonyK]

I think he was trying to cut his losses and following the advice of his lawyers. By saying what he took and when, he offers tips to the media and the government that can get himself and other players into more trouble.

[BoweryBoys]

Two things we know about the press is that 1) they are a group of vultures, and 2) if you attack one of their own every last one of them will defend their colleague to the the last drop of ink or their last breath depending on the medium they work in.

Two things we know about (some) major league ball players, MLB in general and the MLBPA in specific. 1) (Some) form a group of over-paid arrogant cry babies who lie and excuse and evade responsibility for knowingly using drugs that have been illegal in the US since 1991 and engaging in behavior that the average US citiizen on the job just may well be fired for if not even jailed. 2) If you attack one of their own (MLBPA) every last one of them will defend their colleague to the the last drop of ink or their last breath, even to the extent of not cooperating with Congress, federal investigations, lying, stonewalling, etc.

I really wonder what is more sleazy, corruption and arrogance in the MLBPA and (some) MLB players or the press who exposes that corruption which is part of their right and duty and allows for the fans, without whose financial support MLB wouldn't exist, the right to know what goes on in their game. Not to mention the fact that MLB, which operates under a government granted anti-trust exemption, is obligated to answer to the US Government and Congress by that exemption.

[Paulypal]

Of course they are nitpicking.

Saturday they wanted an admission. Monday they get and admission and an apology. Not good enough.

Not good enough because he wouldnt give up exactly what he was taking. I am sure he knows, but MAYBE, just maybe the drug he was taking links back directly to someone or a group of specific people. Probolin? is not a popular form of roids from what I believe to be true. Maybe that came from a specific group or person and he didnt want to give them up.

Its like going to an AA meeting ...does it f'n matter if you got drunk on beer or f'n Jack Daniels? No it doesnt. Your here doing the thing everyone told you to do...now thats not good enough.

Selena Roberts is just another scummy reporter. I am sure she followed this story around.

The problem is most of public just believes whatever is said about anyone and anything. Verduccis says it it must be a fact. That is 75% of the problem. Shaq and Kobe was almost a reality series. Most have no clue what steroids is or does but they can talk about it for weeks at a time.

I still laugh when I hear people say Lyle Alzado died because of steroids. Alzado had brain cancer. There is no link between the two, but hey it sounds good lets sell it that way. Ignorance and believing the media at their word is the real enemy.

Reporters need something to report. The longer it lasts the easier their job. Talk radio hosts need to hear their own ignorance for 5 hours a day,,, they too need something to say. They all take the politically correct route and everyone just absorbs their garbage.

[RubeBaker]

I think they are nitpicking in the sense that there are 104 players on the list, but only A-Rod's name comes out. You called him out, he responded, and now it seems that they're whining because it's not the answer they wanted. It seems like they're disappointed he didn't put up some kind of denial.

Good for A-Rod for taking the high road on this one.