Guilt and Regret or a Bigger Mess? Two Tales...

First, thanks for the encouraging notes. I am enjoying this so far. I only wish I knew a little more about the site and how to create things within it. I am learning. I found out how to link to a blog that I've read for quite some time (Hal's Blog is causing some trouble with the address right now) and one that I just discovered a couple of days ago. These guys have some good info and provide enjoyable reads.

Darin asked that I write about Alex Rodriguez. I wanted to write something, but it seemed too easy a subject and it already had too much media play. What could I add? It may not be unique, but here is my take.

Although I wish all sports were clean and played on even ground, you can't expect ALL athletes to ignore opportunities that might enable them to get an edge on the competition...an opportunity to maximize earnings. I had hoped A-Rod was clean, and I expected him to have an excuse or reason for the failed test. That's the norm, right? I was disappointed when he admitted using steroids, but I was relieved that he was owning up to his disregard of the law and our idea of fair play.

I'm glad I waited to comment. Like many people, I was ready to give Rodriguez his props for "admitting" what he had done. I thought there were many loose ends in the initial interview and admittance of guilt, but he'd clear that up when he collected himself. He did all of that and more when he decided to tell all...oops! I learned as a child that it would require many additional lies to cover up one lie. Rodriguez may need a math degree to figure the total he'll need. His stories continue to reveal more holes than a water-filled calender. Why didn't he just admit guilt and move on??? We did not need the cousin. We did not need a specific type of steroid. Honest and simple would have sufficed for most, and the rest could spin their wheels trying to dig deeper on their own.

Another super star in the sports world admitted to wrong doing this week. Charles Barkley returned to TNT's coverage of the NBA on Thursday. He took some time off after being caught driving under the influence in early January. His blood alcohol level was almost twice the legal limit. In his return, he issued an apology and admitted HIS error. He did not blame anyone else for his misconduct. Was he sincere or was this just the right way to play it? I believe he was sincere, but I want to believe him.

Any good PR person would have you choose the latter approach to public apology. People will accept Barkley's apology quicker than the multitude of excuses and reasons provided by A-Rod during his press conference. No matter the excuses, reasons, amount of details, or how liked the individual may be; not a single one of us know what is truly in the heart of either man. Only they know; and only they have to live with their conscience. Good luck to both of them.