Lessons to learn from Alex Rodriguez

This past weekend, New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez was suspended for the entire 2014 season. The 162 game suspension, the longest ever given related to performance-enhancing drugs, was actually a reduction from the 211 games requested by major league baseball. And it was the longest non-lifetime ban ever given in major league baseball.

Alex Rodriguez has an interesting story. Twenty-one years ago this spring, he asked to be introduced to Cal Ripken, Jr., whom Alex considered his idol. Ripkin was an All-Star shortstop who was taller than most (like Alex). But along the way, Rodriguez succombed to the intoxicating mix of adoration, the cheers of the fans, and the incredible amounts of money that came his way.

Although he was on a clear path to greatness, he saw other players achieve significant fame, fortune, records and longevity. Those other players used PEDs, and no one at first cared. Not the executives of Major League Baseball, not the Players’ Union, not the ball clubs and not the fans. Then public opinion began to turn against the use of PEDs, and slowly all of these other organizations did as well.

Besides using these banned artificial performance enhancers, Rodriguez has publicly lied about it and many other things. Repeatedly. And apparently he actively tried to hinder the investigation that led to this decision.

My friend Coach Bruce Lambin’s eldest son actually roomed with an 18-year Alex Rodriguez during the 1992 Junior Olympic Trials for USA Baseball’s 18U team. While Alex was in the shower, he got a phone call from Barry Bonds. Yeah, for real. Interesting, huh?

So is Alex Rodriguez a monster? A villain? Public enemy #1? It’s complicated, but I’d say none of the above.

In my opinion, Alex Rodriguez is a very talented baseball player, and has been the best player on almost any field he’s stepped on most of his life. He is tall, athletic and a handsome man. He has worked hard to succeed as a hitter, a baserunner, and a fielder. He has been lauded with praise for everything from his talents to his financial acumen. But because it felt good, he surrounded himself with sycophants who found it more beneficial to praise and agree with him than to try to guide him. Maybe people tried, but no one truly challenged him.

What we can learn from the case of Alex Rodriguez?

• The truth (eventually) is always revealed. There are no secrets.

• Baseball does not create character, it reveals it.

• Admitting a mistake, saying you’re sorry, and stopping that behavior will likely gain you forgiveness from most.

• Continuing to lie and maneuver after you have been found out will likely gain you scorn and shame for your entire life. Some examples are Pete Rose, Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, O.J. Simpson, and many others.

• Money can’t buy you everything.

A wise persons once told me “After knowing all the facts, if your mother would not approve of what you’re doing and your grandmother would not approve of what you’re doing, then you probably shouldn’t be doing it.” That might be good guidance not only for your young ballplayer, but for everyone in every situation.

(top three images by Keith Allison)