Alex Rodriguez Accepts That People Don't Like Him

In light of his photo spread in Details magazine, many people are probably wondering what bizarre way Alex Rodriguez and his team of advisors are going to dream up next to get people to fall in love with him. For once in his life, however, A-Rod is claiming that the approval of others isn't going to have anything to do with his decision making.

He sat down with Michael Kay post-steroid announcement, but pre-surgery, to discuss all sorts of things for a YES Network preview special that airs on Tuesday night. The most interesting comment he made has to do with his waning popularity, brought to you via FanHouse.

"I mean, look, I feel like right now, that, not too many people like me, so I've given up on that. As long as my teammates like me, and they respect me, and my two daughters love their Daddy, I'm going to go out and do the very best I can. Look, I really screwed up, and for that I'm sorry. I'm just happy to be playing baseball again."

Perhaps this is just an attempt at reverse psychology, cynicism reigning supreme with Rodriguez, but it is absolutely the best operating principle for him going forward. The one constant through all of A-Rod's foibles has been his inability to make situations better. It can't hurt to give not caring a shot, especially when there are going to be so many opportunities for him to stick his foot in his mouth.  

Now he just has to follow through on his claim, and Barry Bonds provides him with a blueprint. He never once gave the impression that he gave a moment's thought to what anyone thought about him. Regardless of what people thought of him as a person, and the feeling wasn't particularly good, they respected him as a player.

You also had to say that Bonds was genuine. A-Rod has never had that said about him, no matter how much he's tried to be a good guy. Perhaps trading in a white hat for a black one would finally give him the authenticity that's always been out of reach.

Josh Alper is a writer living in New York City and is a contributor to FanHouse.com and ProFootballTalk.com in addition to his duties for NBCNewYork.com.

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