A-Rod Asks Fans For Forgiveness

03:51

February 19, 2015

One of the big questions about this upcoming baseball season centers around Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees. He missed last season because he was suspended for using performance-enhancing drugs, but he's still under contract. In fact, the Yankees still owe him $61 million.

Rodriguez plans to play this season, and he's been on what some are calling an apology tour. This week he released an open letter to fans, saying "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."

But will A-Rod be forgiven? Here & Now sports analyst Mike Pesca discusses that question with host Robin Young.

This image (click to enlarge) issued by New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez shows a two-page handwritten apology issued Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015, three days before the team opens spring training, addressed "to the fans." The apology failed to detail any specifics about his use of performance-enhancing drugs. The 39-year-old, three-time AL MVP, was suspended last season for violations of baseball's drug agreement and labor contract. (AP)

Guest

Mike Pesca, Here & Now sports analyst and host of Slate’s daily podcast The Gist. He tweets @pescami.

This segment aired on February 19, 2015.