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, third baseman, and designated hitter who played for the Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, and New York Yankees over 22 seasons. Once considered one of baseball's greatest talents, he is now the chairman and CEO of A-Rod Corp and chairman of Presidente beer. He is also set to acquire a controlling stake in the Minnesota Timberwolves of the NBA with Marc Lore.

Sections (6)

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

2000: Alleged Primobolan Use by Barry Bonds

Primobolan, a steroid found in Alex Rodriguez's system, is also the same steroid that Barry Bonds is alleged to have tested positive for in 2000 and 2001.

2001: Beginning of Steroid Use

In 2001, Alex Rodriguez began using an unidentified drug, "boli or bollee," acquired over-the-counter in the Dominican Republic. He had his cousin transport the drug into the United States.

2001: Admission of Banned Substance Use

In 2001, Alex Rodriguez began using banned substances, citing pressure to perform. He later admitted to this in an interview with ESPN.

2001: Steroid use

In 2001, Alex Rodriguez used steroids due to "an enormous amount of pressure" to perform.

2001: Alleged Primobolan Use by Barry Bonds

Primobolan, a steroid found in Alex Rodriguez's system, is also the same steroid that Barry Bonds is alleged to have tested positive for in 2000 and 2001.

November 2003: Master List Subpoenaed by Federal Authorities

In November 2003, the master list of 104 players who tested positive was subpoenaed by federal authorities, making further destruction of the samples "improper".

2003: Positive Drug Test

In 2003, Alex Rodriguez allegedly failed a drug test, but was never officially informed of the positive result.

2003: Defense of Players' Union

In 2003, Alex Rodriguez defended the players' union for leaking his positive test results.

2003: End of Banned Substance Use

In 2003, Alex Rodriguez stopped using banned substances after a spring training injury while playing for the Rangers, claiming that all his years in New York had been clean.

2003: End of Steroid Use

In 2003, Alex Rodriguez stopped using steroids, an unidentified drug, "boli or bollee," that was acquired over-the-counter in the Dominican Republic.

2003: Rodriguez Tests Positive for Steroids and Captures MVP Award

In 2003, Alex Rodriguez tested positive for two anabolic steroids, testosterone and Primobolan, during his season with the Texas Rangers. Despite the positive test, he captured his first American League Most Valuable Player award and other accolades.

2003: MLB Expresses "Grave Concern" After Rodriguez's Test Results Become Public

In 2003, after Alex Rodriguez's test results became public, Major League Baseball expressed "grave concern," noting that they could not comment on the accuracy of the report.

July 24, 2004: Bench-clearing brawl after hit by pitch on July 24, 2004

On July 24, 2004, Alex Rodriguez was hit by a pitch, leading to a scuffle and a bench-clearing brawl between the Yankees and Red Sox.

August 2004: Tip of Failed Drug Test

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

September 2004: Accusation of Tipped Drug Test

In September 2004, Gene Orza of the MLBPA was accused by unnamed MLB players of tipping Alex Rodriguez to an upcoming drug test.

2004: Controversial play in Game 6 of the 2004 ALCS

During Game 6 of the 2004 American League Championship Series, Alex Rodriguez was involved in a controversial play where he appeared to interfere with Red Sox pitcher Bronson Arroyo, leading to a controversial out call.

2004: Mandatory Testing Begins

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

2004: Seizure of Master List and Physical Samples

In 2004, the coded master list of 104 players who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs was seized during the BALCO investigation. Physical samples were also seized by federal agents raiding Quest Diagnostics in Las Vegas, Nevada, a month later. The list was released to the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) in 2004.

2004: Beginning of Criticism Due to Yankees' Postseason Inabilities

Starting in 2004, due to the Yankees' unsuccessful postseasons, Alex Rodriguez began drawing criticism in the New York area, which continued until 2007.

2005: Canseco Announces New Book with "Other Stuff" on Rodriguez

In July 2007, Jose Canseco announced plans to publish another book about Major League Baseball, following his 2005 bestseller Juiced, claiming it would include "other stuff" on Alex Rodriguez and calling him a hypocrite.

2005: Beginning of Criticism Due to Yankees' Postseason Inabilities

Starting in 2004, due to the Yankees' unsuccessful postseasons, Alex Rodriguez began drawing criticism in the New York area, which continued until 2007 due to a sub .200 batting average.

2006: Beginning of Criticism Due to Yankees' Postseason Inabilities

Starting in 2004, due to the Yankees' unsuccessful postseasons, Alex Rodriguez began drawing criticism in the New York area, which continued until 2007 due to a sub .200 batting average.

July 2007: Canseco Announces New Book with "Other Stuff" on Rodriguez

October 28, 2007: Rodriguez opts out of Yankees contract

On October 28, 2007, Alex Rodriguez's agent, Scott Boras, announced that Rodriguez would not renew his contract with the Yankees. This decision was met with criticism from fans and writers, especially due to its timing during Game 4 of the World Series.

2007: Denial of Performance-Enhancing Drug Use

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

2007: Beginning of Criticism Due to Yankees' Postseason Inabilities

Starting in 2004, due to the Yankees' unsuccessful postseasons, Alex Rodriguez began drawing criticism in the New York area, which continued until 2007.

July 7, 2008: Divorce Filing

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

2008: Criticism for Performance in Clutch Situations

In 2008, Alex Rodriguez faced criticism for his performance in clutch situations, hitting .264 with runners in scoring position and two outs.

February 7, 2009: Report of Rodriguez positive test for steroids

On February 7, 2009, Sports Illustrated reported that Alex Rodriguez tested positive for testosterone and the anabolic steroid Primobolan in 2003.

February 2009: Sports Illustrated Reports Rodriguez Tested Positive for Steroids in 2003

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

March 2009: Treatment from Anthony Galea

In March 2009, Alex Rodriguez received treatment from Canadian sports doctor Anthony Galea, who later faced legal issues for bringing unapproved drugs into the United States.

2009: Admission of Steroid Use

In 2009, Alex Rodriguez admitted to using steroids from 2001 to 2003 while playing for the Rangers, citing pressure to perform.

2009: Nickname "The Cooler" and "A-Fraud" Emerged

Prior to 2009, Alex Rodriguez received the nickname "The Cooler" because of the perceived tendency for teams to turn cold when he joins them. According to Joe Torre's 2009 book, The Yankee Years, Rodriguez earned the nickname "A-Fraud" from teammates and clubhouse attendants who resented his demands.

The Yankee Years

Check it on Amazon

February 28, 2010: Report of Treatment from Galea

On February 28, 2010, The New York Times reported that Alex Rodriguez had received treatment from Canadian sports doctor Anthony Galea in March 2009.

2010: Reported HGH Use

From 2010, Alex Rodriguez reportedly received HGH from Biogenesis of America, an anti-aging clinic run by Bosch.

2011: Rodriguez undergoes knee surgery and faces poker allegations

In 2011, Alex Rodriguez opted for arthroscopic surgery on his knee to repair a torn meniscus. He was also facing allegations that he participated in illegal poker 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 HGH and Actovegin.

2012: Reported HGH Use

Until 2012, Alex Rodriguez reportedly received HGH from Biogenesis of America, an anti-aging clinic run by Bosch.

August 3, 2013: MLB Rebuffs Negotiation Offer

On August 3, 2013, MLB rejected the players' union's offer to negotiate a suspension for Alex Rodriguez's role in the Biogenesis scandal.

August 5, 2013: Rodriguez returns to Yankees amid suspension announcement

On August 5, 2013, Alex Rodriguez made his return with the Yankees. On the same day, MLB announced he would be suspended—pending an appeal—through the 2014 season for his role in the Biogenesis scandal.

August 2013: Suspension Announced for Involvement in Biogenesis Scandal

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

August 18, 2013: Rodriguez hit by pitch and hits home run against Dempster

During a game against the Red Sox on August 18, 2013, Alex Rodriguez was hit by a pitch and later hit a 442-foot home run off Ryan Dempster. The Yankees won 9–6, and Dempster was suspended five games by the league with an undisclosed fine.

January 11, 2014: Suspension Upheld

On January 11, 2014, Alex Rodriguez's suspension was upheld after a lengthy arbitration process, effectively reducing it to 162 games.

February 7, 2014: Lawsuit Abandoned

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: Sued by Lawyers

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

November 2014: Admission of PED Use to DEA

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

2014: Suspension

In 2014, Alex Rodriguez was suspended for 162 games, which kept him off the field for the entire season due to his involvement in the Biogenesis scandal.

2014: Suspension Upheld and Role Change Announced

In 2014, Alex Rodriguez's suspension was upheld, causing him to miss the entire regular season and postseason. Following this, the Yankees announced that Rodriguez would transition from an everyday third baseman to a designated hitter due to the signing of Chase Headley.

January 19, 2015: Rodriguez Meets with Commissioner Manfred

During the week of January 19, 2015, Alex Rodriguez met with the new Commissioner of Baseball, Rob Manfred. They reportedly had a "positive discussion," during which Rodriguez apologized and promised to behave in the future.

February 17, 2015: Rodriguez Issues Public Apology

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".