As The Yankees Prepare for Opening Day, Men's Vogue Reflects on How Alex Rodriguez Earned Back His Fans, Teammates and the Press
Men's Vogue writer, Seth Mnookin, corresponds with Alex Rodriguez for the April issue of Men's Vogue.
(PRWEB) March 28, 2008
After criticism from his fans (who have questioned his toughness and authenticity), the press (well-documented insecurities), and a lukewarm reception from his Yankees teammates (his strained relationship with former bosom buddy and captain Derek Jeter), Alex Rodriguez may finally be getting a break. The guy who prefers Art Basel, Frank Sinatra, and straitlaced heroes to the rowdy lifestyle of many famous athletes has seen arguably the best season of his career, come clean about the "change in relationship" with Jeter, and initiated a record $275-million deal on his own. Men's Vogue writer, Seth Mnookin, corresponds with the All-Star for the April issue of Men's Vogue (http://www. mensvogue. com/health/feature/articles/2008/04/arod):
On what happened that October night when it looked like he was leaving the Yankees for good:
"I was at home with my wife eating dinner and all of a sudden it came on television. When my wife talks about that day, she says I looked like a ghost...I'm glad that time is behind me."
After that World Series announcement, where A-Rod's agent fed the press without his knowledge, Rodriguez apparently put the brakes on his relationship with Scott Boras:
"I have the experience now to know what feels right and the conviction to raise my hand when something doesn't."
His role in making his $275 million-deal happen with the Yankees without Boras, instead of testing the waters of free agency, was seen by fans, his teammates and the press as emblematic of the fact that returning to the Yankees -- and winning the championship that has eluded him -- was now more
Important than getting top dollar. Now he will face the world as his own man:
"When you start out in sports, there are so many different mentors and different people pulling you in all directions. You finally get to a point where you say, 'Thank you, but I can make my own decisions.' My voice is finally being heard. And that is liberating."
The April issue of Men’s Vogue is available on newsstands now. For More on A-Rod, his daily off-season workout regimen (http://www. mensvogue. com/health/articles/2008/04/arodworkout) and expanded coverage of the issue, please visit www. mensvogue. com].
For more information contact Elissa Lumley at 212-286-2225.
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