Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez, despite playing in the same position, followed extremely different career trajectories as their career proceeded. Without any doubt, A-Rod was the greater hitter. But Jeter? Words can’t explain the sentiment Jeter emoted in his 20-year-long career. And despite their beef, while one may have been a greater hitter in the park, there was probably one clear winner. However, why did A-Rod never attain the kind of success and respect Jeter did?

The answer to this question ties back to A-Rod, the 2009 Yankee World Champion’s steroid scandal, which eventually resulted in his 2014 season suspension. And when questioned about it, despite having his own opinions, Jeter took the diplomatic route. He distanced himself from any moving answers about A-Rod and his character.

Derek Jeter is not the “media!”

In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter from 2015, Captain Clutch received a question about then-teammate Alex Rodriguez. The question surrounding A-Rod, not accepting accountability for his steroid usage and “misleading investigators” – “Would Jeter ever pick up the phone and ask Rodriguez to contribute?”

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Derek Jeter, who rarely broke character, maintained a straight face and diplomatically responded by saying that he’s not the media. He said, “No, I’m not going to start calling people like I’m a member of the media and say, ‘Hey, I’ve got this idea for you.’ I would not be comfortable doing that with anyone. I don’t view myself as being a member of the media.”

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All in all, Jeter has always maintained a giant soft spot for his teammates, even if it’s A-Rod. And this was not the first time he diplomatically defended A-Rod while putting aside their long-last feud.

What did Captain Clutch say about A-Rod’s steroid scandal back in the day?

Back in 2009, when A-Rod’s steroid allegations first broke ground, Derek Jeter spoke about how A-Rod cheated himself, and as teammates, everyone would try their best to help him. He said, “I mean he made a mistake… He is trying to get past that mistake and as teammates, we are going to help him out… Our job is to try to support him as he tries to get back on the field… People always ask questions, ‘Do you feel as though somebody cheated?’ First and foremost, you cheat yourself. And I think that’s the message that needs to be out there.”

Only years after A-Rod’s steroid allegations and use, he faces suspension in 2014. Was his punishment a little too harsh for a violation that was committed many years back? What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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