Mixed Reaction From Yankees Fans On A-Rod Ruling
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Yankees fans sounded off Saturday on whether or not they feel a judge's ruling that reduced Alex Rodriguez's 211-game suspension to 162 games was fair.
Fredric Horowitz announced Saturday afternoon that the Yankees' third baseman will serve 162 games of the original ban handed down Aug. 5 by Major League Baseball under the joint drug agreement. The ruling also includes the entire 2014 postseason.
Brooklyn resident George Checko told WCBS 880's Jim Smith that he believes A-Rod has some soul-searching to do.
Fans React To A-Rod Ruling
"To be honest with you if he feels he didn't do it and he knows it -- if he knows he didn't do it then he absolutely should fight it to the end. But again if he did do it than he gets what he deserves," Checko said.
Another resident told Smith she thinks the Yankees are in for a rough season without him. "I think it's going to be a rough season for the Yankees after that. Really rough. But they can handle with Jeter."
Outside the Yankees' clubhouse shop on 42nd Street, fans had mixed reactions to the news, CBS 2's Steve Langford reported.
"I think that's crazy the Yankees need him man," Bronx resident Tina Williamson said.
"I think it's grossly unfair. I think they're picking on him because he's the greatest of his time," said Jim Dennis, from Pennsylvania.
Up in the Bronx, outside the stadium, Riverdale resident Jelani Varmah told Langford it's time A-Rod accepts his punishment. "That's really deep. I mean, it's heavy but, um, you know he has to. He did the crime, he has to pay the time."
Some New Yorkers told CBS 2's Hazel Sanchez they're fed up with the ballplayer.
"Be an adult. Be a responsible player. Take your penalty and move forward," Upper West Side resident Jennifer Kaye said.
"I think they did the right thing overall. I don't think he deserves to be playing baseball," Mark Cochran added.
Rodriguez slammed the decision in a statement released by his publicist, saying "the number of games sadly comes as no surprise, as the deck has been stacked against me from day one."
Rodriguez has denied using performance drugs since his time with the Texas Rangers from 2001-03. He has vowed to challenge Horowitz's decision in court.
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