Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Alex Rodriguez

Public opinion and media debates around Alex Rodriguez—discover key moments of controversy.

Alex Rodriguez, nicknamed "A-Rod", is a former MLB shortstop and third baseman who played for the Mariners, Rangers, and Yankees over 22 seasons. Highly touted early in his career, he is considered one of baseball's greatest players. Currently, Rodriguez is a businessman, serving as chairman and CEO of A-Rod Corp and chairman of Presidente beer. He also co-owns a controlling interest in the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves with Marc Lore.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2000: Alleged steroid use for Barry Bonds

Although testosterone is available by prescription for some uses, Primobolan has no approved prescription use. Also known as methenolone or metenolone enanthate, it is the same steroid that Barry Bonds is alleged to have tested positive for in 2000 and 2001.

2001: Alleged steroid use for Barry Bonds

2001: Rodriguez admits to using banned substances.

Citing "an enormous amount of pressure to perform", Rodriguez admitted to using banned substances from 2001 to 2003.

2001: Admission of Steroid Use

In 2001, Alex Rodriguez admitted to using an unidentified drug, known as "boli or bollee", bought over-the-counter in the Dominican Republic from 2001 to 2003 and injected twice monthly for six months of the year.

2001: Started Using Steroids

In 2001, Alex Rodriguez began using steroids during his time with the Texas Rangers, continuing until 2003.

2001: Rodriguez begins using steroids

In 2001, Alex Rodriguez started using steroids. He later admitted to using such substances from 2001 to 2003, claiming that he ceased using such substances after spring training in 2003.

November 2003: Samples were subpoenaed by federal authorities.

The 104 positive samples were in the process of being destroyed when they were subpoenaed by federal authorities in November 2003, making continued destruction "improper."

2003: Alex Rodriguez tested positive for two anabolic steroids

Alex Rodriguez tested positive for two anabolic steroids, testosterone and Primobolan, during his 2003 season playing for the Texas Rangers.

2003: Rodriguez admits to using banned substances.

Citing "an enormous amount of pressure to perform", Rodriguez admitted to using banned substances from 2001 to 2003.

2003: Admission of Steroid Use

In 2003, Alex Rodriguez admitted to using an unidentified drug, known as "boli or bollee", bought over-the-counter in the Dominican Republic from 2001 to 2003 and injected twice monthly for six months of the year.

2003: Stopped Using Steroids

In 2003, Alex Rodriguez stopped using steroids.

2003: Rodriguez tests positive for steroids.

In 2003, Alex Rodriguez tested positive for testosterone and the anabolic steroid Primobolan as part of MLB's survey to determine the need for mandatory drug testing. Rodriguez admitted to steroid use from 2001 to 2003, claiming he ceased after spring training that year.

2003: Tip from MLBPA about failed 2003 test

In August 2004, Gene Orza of the MLBPA informed Alex Rodriguez that he "may or may not have" failed his 2003 test.

2003: Rodriguez's 2003 test.

Rodriguez's 2003 test. Rodriguez's test results were part of a report expressing "grave concern" without naming Rodriguez.

July 24, 2004: Brawl with Red Sox

On July 24, 2004, during his first season with the Yankees, Alex Rodriguez was hit by a pitch from Bronson Arroyo, leading to a scuffle with Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek and a bench-clearing brawl between both teams.

August 2004: Tip from MLBPA about failed 2003 test

In August 2004, Gene Orza of the MLBPA informed Alex Rodriguez that he "may or may not have" failed his 2003 test.

September 2004: Orza accused of tipping Rodriguez about drug test

In September 2004, Gene Orza was accused by three unnamed MLB players of tipping off Alex Rodriguez about an upcoming drug test.

2004: Start of criticism due to Yankee's postseason failure

From 2004 to 2007, Alex Rodriguez faced criticism in the New York area due to the Yankees' unsuccessful postseasons, which prompted writers and players to criticize his performance.

2004: Start of mandatory drug testing in MLB

In 2004, mandatory testing of major league baseball players began, with penalties for violations, because more than 5% of the samples taken from players in 2003 came back positive.

2004: List of positive-testing players was released.

The list of the 104 positive-testing players was released to the MLB Players Association (MLBPA) in 2004.

2005: Subpar batting average in 2005 postseason.

From 2004 to 2007, Alex Rodriguez faced criticism in the New York area due to the Yankees' unsuccessful postseasons, which prompted writers and players to criticize his performance. His 2005 batting average was sub-.200.

2005: MLB warned Rodriguez not to participate in illegal poker games

In 2005, MLB had warned Alex Rodriguez not to participate in illegal poker games. In 2011, Rodriguez faced allegations of participating in illegal poker games, which he denied.

2005: Juiced was released

In July 2007, Jose Canseco announced plans to publish a book with "other stuff" on Alex Rodriguez, calling him a hypocrite, Rodriguez denied accusations of steroid use. Jose Canseco's Juiced was released in 2005.

2006: Subpar batting average in 2006 postseason.

July 2007: Canseco announces a new book with "other stuff" on Rodriguez

In July 2007, Jose Canseco announced plans to publish a book with "other stuff" on Alex Rodriguez, calling him a hypocrite, Rodriguez denied accusations of steroid use.

2007: Start of criticism due to Yankee's postseason failure

From 2004 to 2007, Alex Rodriguez faced criticism in the New York area due to the Yankees' unsuccessful postseasons, which prompted writers and players to criticize his performance.

2007: Rodriguez opts out of Yankees contract

In 2007, Alex Rodriguez's 10-year contract was expiring, and he opted out, becoming a free agent. Despite expressing his desire to stay with the Yankees, his agent announced he would not renew the contract due to uncertainty about the team's future. This decision cost the Yankees $21.3 million and drew criticism from fans and MLB officials, who viewed it as a selfish move.

2007: Denied Using Performance-Enhancing Drugs

In a 2007 interview, Alex Rodriguez denied ever using performance-enhancing drugs.

July 7, 2008: Divorce Filing by Cynthia Rodriguez

On July 7, 2008, Cynthia Rodriguez filed for divorce, citing "emotional abandonment", "extramarital affairs and other marital misconduct".

2008: Rodriguez's hitting performance with runners in scoring position

In 2008, Alex Rodriguez hit .264 with runners in scoring position and two outs, with only 19 hits in 95 plate appearances.

February 7, 2009: Report surfaces of Rodriguez testing positive for steroids in 2003

On February 7, 2009, Sports Illustrated reported that Rodriguez tested positive for testosterone and the anabolic steroid Primobolan in 2003 as part of MLB's survey on performance-enhancing drugs.

February 2009: Report of positive steroid tests in 2003

In February 2009, Sports Illustrated reported that Alex Rodriguez tested positive for testosterone and Primobolan during the 2003 season with the Texas Rangers.

March 2009: Treatment by Anthony Galea

In March 2009, Alex Rodriguez received treatment from Canadian sports doctor Anthony Galea, who later faced charges for bringing unapproved drugs into the United States. This treatment was reported on February 28, 2010.

2009: Admitted to Using Steroids

In 2009, Alex Rodriguez admitted to having used steroids from 2001 to 2003 while playing for the Texas Rangers.

2009: "The Cooler" nickname

Prior to 2009, Alex Rodriguez had received the nickname "The Cooler" among some players because of the perceived tendency for teams to turn cold when he joins them and hot when he leaves.

February 28, 2010: Report of Treatment by Anthony Galea

On February 28, 2010, it was reported that Alex Rodriguez received treatment from Canadian sports doctor Anthony Galea in March 2009, who later faced charges for bringing unapproved drugs into the United States.

2010: Reported HGH Use

Between 2010 and 2012, Alex Rodriguez reportedly received HGH from Biogenesis of America, an anti-aging clinic in Coral Gables, Florida, run by Bosch.

2011: Rodriguez undergoes knee surgery and faces allegations of participating in illegal poker games

In 2011, Alex Rodriguez batted well but suffered a home run drought and underwent knee surgery for a torn meniscus. He also faced allegations of participating in illegal poker games, which he denied. MLB warned him in 2005 not to participate in such games.

2011: Galea's Plea Agreement

In 2011, Anthony Galea reached a plea agreement for bringing unapproved and mislabeled drugs into the United States, including human growth hormone (HGH) and Actovegin. Galea had treated Rodriguez in March 2009.

2012: Reported HGH Use

Between 2010 and 2012, Alex Rodriguez reportedly received HGH from Biogenesis of America, an anti-aging clinic in Coral Gables, Florida, run by Bosch.

2012: Rodriguez accused Yankees of mishandling his hip injury

Following his return in 2013, Alex Rodriguez accused the Yankees front office of mishandling his hip injury in several ways, contending that the team withheld the injury from him and continued to play him in 2012 despite his condition.

August 3, 2013: Confirmation of Impending Suspension

On August 3, 2013, MLB rebuffed the players' union's offer to negotiate, confirming that Alex Rodriguez would likely be suspended for his role in the Biogenesis scandal.

August 2013: Suspended for 211 Games

In August 2013, MLB announced a 211-game suspension for Alex Rodriguez for his involvement in the Biogenesis scandal.

2013: Rodriguez returns to Yankees and faces suspension

In 2013, Alex Rodriguez made his return with the Yankees on August 5, the same day MLB announced he would be suspended through the 2014 season for his role in the Biogenesis scandal. He also hit his first home run of the season on August 11 and passed Stan Musial for fifth place in career RBIs.

January 11, 2014: Suspension Upheld

On January 11, 2014, the arbitration process upheld Alex Rodriguez's suspension, effectively reducing it to 162 games for the 2014 regular-season schedule.

February 7, 2014: Lawsuit Abandonment

On February 7, 2014, Alex Rodriguez announced his decision to abandon his lawsuit and accept the suspension for the 2014 season.

March 2014: Refusal to Pay Legal Fees

In March 2014, it was reported that Alex Rodriguez had refused to pay the balance of his legal fees, which amounted to more than $3 million.

July 2014: Lawsuit for Unpaid Legal Fees

In July 2014, Alex Rodriguez was sued by his lawyers for $380,000 in unpaid legal fees.

November 2014: Admission of Performance Enhancing Drugs

In November 2014, it was revealed that in January 2014, Alex Rodriguez admitted to the Drug Enforcement Administration that he had used performance-enhancing drugs.

2014: Suspension for PED Policy Violation

In 2014, Alex Rodriguez was suspended by MLB from August 8 through the end of the 2014 season for violating the league's PED policy, totaling 211 regular-season games plus any postseason games.

2014: Suspension kept him off field

In 2014, Alex Rodriguez's suspension was reduced to 162 games, which kept him off the field for the entire season.

2014: Rodriguez suspended for the entire 2014 season

In 2014, Alex Rodriguez's suspension, which was announced the previous season but delayed pending an appeal, was upheld, resulting in him being suspended for the entirety of the 2014 regular season and postseason. At the end of the season, it was announced that Rodriguez would no longer serve as an everyday third baseman and would instead serve as a designated hitter.

2014: Rodriguez to be suspended through 2014 season

On August 5, 2013, MLB announced that Rodriguez would be suspended through the 2014 season for his role in the Biogenesis scandal, pending an appeal.

January 19, 2015: Rodriguez meets with Commissioner Manfred

During the week of January 19, 2015, Alex Rodriguez reportedly met with new Commissioner of Baseball Rob Manfred and apologized.

February 17, 2015: Rodriguez issues apology letter

On February 17, 2015, Alex Rodriguez issued a hand-written letter of apology to "Major League Baseball, the Yankees, the Steinbrenner family, the Players Association and you, the fans".