Alex Rodriguez Linked with Steroids

A-Rod with the Texas Rangers Sports Illustrated just published a story on SI.com that Yankee's third baseman slugger Alex Rodriguez tested positive in 2003 for Primobolan and testosterone while with the Texas Rangers.

Although steroids and other performance enhancing drugs have been prohibited in baseball back in 1991, there was no testing done on them. After Barry Bonds hit 73 home runs in 2001, baseball finally listened to the cries of people claiming rampant drug use. So in 2003 baseball did a survey to determine if they needed to start drug testing. If 5% of the drug tests in 2003 came back positive they would start a drug testing program. And it was one of those positive tests where it is alleged that A-Rod came back positive.

Primobolan, or Primo, is a pretty weak steroid however its fat burning qualities make it popular for users who don't want to bulk up. It's not a cheap steroid especially given it's weak nature; a cycle runs 12 weeks costing about $500. It can be taken orally or by injection, and it doesn't have the usual side effects of acne and water retention. However it can cause hair loss.

Last year when Jose Canseco's book Vindicated was released, he alleged that introduced A-Rod to a connection for steroids. A lot of people came out in support of A-Rod saying that it didn't imply that A-Rod took steroids and that Canseco was just upset because A-Rod had flirted with his wife. I hate to say it, but yet again Canseco is, well Vindicated.

Now while this may not be news and merely confirm everyone's suspicions, it does raise questions. Namely since he is The Person Annointed to Break Barry Bond's Career Home Run Record are we going to give A-Rod the same treatment we did Barry Bonds? Has he now lived up to his nickname "A-Fraud"? Will he now admit to using despite denying his use of them in an interview with Katie Couric in 2007 (thanks Deadspin!!!)?

Updated: MLB Network is currently on live with a special broadcast hosted by Bob Costas. Also much more to come regarding the implications with the MLB players union, specifically COO Gene Orza.

AP File Photo