Jeter: Give A-Rod benefit of doubt

Feb 9, 2009 - 6:39 PM TAMPA, Florida (Ticker) -- After two days of silence, New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter addressed the media for the first time Monday following allegations that Alex Rodriguez tested positive for steroids in 2003.

Speaking at the Yankees' minor league complex, Jeter stood behind his teammate, saying that Rodriguez should be given "the benefit of the doubt."

Citing four sources, Sports Illustrated reported Saturday that Rodriguez tested positive for two anabolic steroids during his MVP season with the Texas Rangers in 2003.

"My initial response is to let him respond," said Jeter, who did not say if he has spoken with Rodriguez. "Give him the respect to respond to it before you pass your judgment."

Rodriguez and the players' union have yet to comment on the story that has created a firestorm since it was first reported by Sports Illustrated.

According to the report, Rodriguez's name appeared on a list of 104 players who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in Major League Baseball's 2003 survey. The testing was conducted to determine if it was necessary to impose mandatory random drug testing across the majors in 2004.

The results were supposed to be confidential, and Rodriguez is the only one of the 104 players whose name has been leaked.

Jeter was upset that Rodriguez's allegedly positive test became public and said he was "shocked" when he first heard the reports.

"Just like everybody was shocked," Jeter said.

While the story will be a major distraction for the Yankees throughout spring training and possibly the entire season, Rodriguez also received support from Yankees catcher Jorge Posada.

"Alex is my teammate and is going to be my friend forever," Posada said. "I'm going to support him any way I can.

"It's going to be a tough spring training for Alex, but as soon as he talks about it, whatever he's going to do or say, (he can) put it behind him as soon as he can."