The Post Conference

Nearly 24 hours have passed since A-Rod's self described youthful mistake. The reaction, for the most part, has not been good, particularly from the media. While there are a number of fans who could care less if he A-Rod did 'roids are not, the majority of Yankees fans seem to be upset at the appearance, for lack of a better term, of "A-Fraud".

Most people we have spoken to, or read, feel there is much more to the story. Particularly:

1. How could you not know what you were taking?
2. Who is the mysterious cousin (Francesa and others are referring to as "My Cousin Vinny"
3. How could you not know whether you really failed a drug test or not
4. Is there much more to come to light when Selena Roberts' book goes to print.
   

Here's what the media thinks:

Steve Politi (Star Ledger): The dumb cousin excuse? Sorry, A-Rod, nobody is buying it

Peter Abraham (Journal News): A-Rod blames youth, stupidity for steroid use

Tyler Kepner (NY Times): A-Rod Details his use of Steroids

Jack Curry (NY Times): After Awkward Pause, Rodriguez Thanks Yankees

Mark Feinsand (NY Daily News): What A-Rod should have said. Mark also has a transcript of A-Rod's opening statement.

Joel Sherman (NY Post): The Truth to be Told, A-Rod Just Can't

Dan Graziano: We're Supposed to believe this?

A-Rod Begins the Damage Control Tour

No matter what A-Rod does, it will not change the way opposing fans look at him, but he can have a definite impact on Yankees fans. Ala Andy Pettitte, A-Rod will hold a press conference tomorrow to apologize, express his regrets and remorse, and hope to move forward. As with Pettitte's news conference last year, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Jorge Posada will be in attendance, as will Pettitte himself.

A-Rod began the apology tour last week, phoning SI writer/steroid exposer Selena Roberts to make amends for his criticism of her in an interview with Peter Gammons a week ago.

“I know this lady from Sports Illustrated, Selena Roberts, is trying to throw things out there that in high school I tried steroids. I mean, that’s the biggest bunch of baloney I’ve ever heard in my life,” he told ESPN, adding that “this lady is coming out with all these allegations, all these lies.”

A-Rod also accused Roberts of attempting to break into his home in Miami and made false allegations about run-ins she had with Miami police and University of Miami security.

Roberts said she would comment on A-Rod's call, which took place this past Wednesday, after his press conference tomorrow.