2005News

A-Rod backs out

After his statement on Monday that he would represent the DR next year’s Classic World Cup, New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez has changed his mind and is now saying that it “is in the hands of Bud Selig to say what the rules are going to be, and I will comply with whatever is decided”. Rodriguez was born in New York but his parents are from the DR, where he spent part of his childhood. During Monday’s training, Alex had told several Hispanic news media that he was planning to represent the DR in next year’s competition. He later spoke to Major League Commissioner Bud Selig and found out that the organizers of the World Cup had the final decision regarding the rosters. “I have to follow the rules. I wasn’t aware of them when I spoke (to the press)… It is now in Bud’s hands. I stand corrected”, stated Alex. MLB spokesman Pat Courtney had said that players with dual nationality would be allowed to choose the country they would represent.