In February 2009, Alex Rodriguez, all-star third baseman for the New York Yankees and the highest paid player in baseball, admitted taking banned substances in 2001, 2002, and 2003. In an interview with ESPN baseball columnist Peter Gammons, Rodriguez said:

I did take a banned substance. … I do remember thinking in my bed in Arizona, it was like, What am I doing? Wake up. Stop being selfish. And you get to a point where you get tired of being stupid and selfish and not being honest with yourself. And that's what I realized in '03. So I am sorry for my Texas years. I apologize to the fans of Texas. And, uh, there's absolutely no excuse. … It feels good coming out and being completely honest. … You take this gorilla and this monkey off your back, you realize that honesty is the only way. … The truth needed to come out a long time ago, and I'm glad it's coming out today. … The truth will set you free."