A-Rod's Hometown Fans 'Not Surprised' By Suspension
MIAMI (CBS4) – In South Florida, baseball fans did not seem surprised to hear Alex Rodriguez is out through the end of the 2014 season.
"You know what somebody's got to make an example and I think they're gonna make it with A-Rod," said Rich Iverson.
Some people were disappointed about the whole situation.
"When I heard that he's suspended for this year and next year I was kind of upset," said Blake Lieberman.
A-Rod has been active in the South Florida community since he played here as a high school student.
His name's on the baseball field at the University of Miami after he donated millions of dollars.
The University had no comment about the suspension announcement or whether it will have any impact on the name of the field.
About two blocks down the street from that field was the clinic that caused all the controversy.
Biogenesis has since closed, but it's alleged connection to performance enhancing drugs and Alex Rodriguez may not be forgotten.
"I think somebody's got to step down they're either gonna do A-Rod now or some other individual at a later time so let's put the clamps on right now," said Iversen.
"You think he's going to be able to come back from this," CBS4 News reporter Maggie Newland asked Blake Lieberman. "I don't think so, I think he's done."
The University of Miami isn't the only South Florida field that bears A-Rod's name, it's also above the diamond at the Boys and Girls Club in Miami.
The Club issued a statement after Major League Baseball announced the suspension. That statement read, in part:
Not only has Mr. Rodriguez supported our Clubs financially, but in nearly 20 years of his unwavering support, he has donated his hours helpings (sic) thousands of needy children in Miami and serving as a significant role model for our children.
Some young fans now question the example he's set.
"I kind of lost respect for him," said Blake Lieberman.
