|
[Dec. 16th, 2005|11:04 am] |
A-Rod reportedly won't play in World Classic
Yankees' AL MVP doesn't want to diss either U.S. or Dominican heritage
Lisa Blumenfeld / Getty Images
Alex Rodriguez was born in New York, but his parents are Dominican.
NBCSports.com news services
Updated: 9:34 a.m. ET Dec. 16, 2005
NEW YORK - Not wanting to choose between the Dominican Republic and United States for the World Baseball Classic next year, New York Yankees third baseman and American League MVP Alex Rodriguez has decided not to play at all,
"After thoughtful deliberations with my family, I am announcing my decision to withdraw from the World Baseball Classic," A-Rod told The New York Post. "When faced with the decision to choose between my country, the United States of America, and my Dominican heritage, I decided I will not dishonor either."
When the commissioner’s office and the players’ association announced commitments from players last week, Rodriguez’s country was left blank. The New York Yankees third baseman, who last month won his second AL MVP award, was born in New York but his parents are Dominican.
"I am proud to be an American citizen and to have a Dominican legacy. My commitment to baseball is secondary to honoring my patriotic duties to my country and my ancestors," A-Rod also told The Post.
"Sports participation should only include the admiration and respect an athlete has for a nation and family. I intend to play baseball only when I am dedicated to both.
"Playing baseball for the New York Yankees allows you to honor and advance the interest of both without division."
Last week, A-Rod said he was leaning toward playing for the D.R.
“That seems to be pretty much where I’m leaning,” Rodriguez said of the Dominican team during an interview Tuesday on WFAN radio. “I think it’s going to be the team I’m going to represent, kind of like what (Mike) Piazza’s doing with Italy.”
Rodriguez said staying healthy was key during the tournament, which is being played by 16 teams from March 3-20.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun. I’m excited about it and a little nervous, too, about obviously getting guys injured that time of year,” he said. “You pull a hamstring, you’re out for three or four weeks, that really may impact your whole season. I mean, you may have some type of ill effect going into even June or July.”
Rodriguez predicted the U.S. team might be less motivated than other countries.
“I think the Latino teams are going to have a major advantage,” he said. “I think that American team might take it more like an exhibition and these guys are kind of playing for their religion down there, the pride of their country.”
Rodriguez also addressed the possibility that the Yankees would sign free agent Nomar Garciaparra. Manager Joe Torre told New York reporters at a function Tuesday that he had called Garciaparra to express the team’s interest in having him come join the Yankees.
“That would be kind of weird,” A-Rod said. “I remember almost 10 years ago we made the cover of GQ, us three as the premier shortstops in the game coming up. And now all of us may be in the same infield. I think that’s kind of funny.”
Rodriguez’s spokesman, Steve Fortunato, said the decision will be made by Major League Baseball and the players’ association.
“Alex’s comments are based on discussions with the tournament organizers,” Fortunato said. “The organizers are ultimately going to recommend what team Alex should be placed on, and he would follow that. We’re waiting to see what that is. He wants to do whatever is best for tournament.”
© 2005 NBC Sports.com
well, this american born person can't even decide what country he is loyal to? he claims he is an american citizen but yet he feels he can't play for the american team, what if america went to war with the DR? but funny, he is willing to make money here in the US, this guy needs to have his citizenship stripped and he needs to be kicked out of the US if he has such "divided" loyalties. i might understand if he was born and raised originally in the DR but he was born in AMERICA!!!! and if he feels leke this, can we rely on all the other immigrants to side with america if a national crisis occurs between the US and thier former countries? or will they also support their former countries and do terrorist attacks in america because of thier "divided" loyalties? more to come on this.......
nice loyalties, whats next, our mililtary? a country can not function like this, if he has divided loyalties, he needs to go live and work in the DR and lets see if he finally understands the reason his parents came here and wanted to be called AMERICANS! as for the injury, holy crap, are we really at this point now where we worship these baseball people like gods? they are to presious just to actually play for the love of the game anymore and not just for money? they are payed to much anyways, they don't save anyone lives or invent any new medicines, if money meant talent, then the yankees should haev won the world series every year. this is further proof money has corrupt the game and the way the fans think, and shows the loyalty to our country among its new and old immigrants is in great question. poor america..... |
|
|
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif?v=92.1){kind=small}
ak250's journal
