A-Rod makes vague apology, turns down news conference

Alex Rodriguez issued a handwritten apology for the mistakes that led to his year-long suspension, but turned down New York's offer to use Yankee Stadium for a news conference and failed to divulge any specifics about his use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Instead of the formal media session, Rodriguez released a five-paragraph apology Tuesday addressed to fans in general. The statement reads in part:

I take full responsibility for the mistakes that led to my suspension for the 2014 season. I regret that my actions made the situation worse than it needed to be. To Major League Baseball, the Yankees, the Steinbrenner family, the Players Association and you, the fans, I can only say I'm sorry.

I accept the fact that many of you will not believe my apology or anything that I say at this point. I understand why and that's on me. It was gracious of the Yankees to offer me the use of Yankee Stadium for this apology but I decided the next time I am in Yankee Stadium, I should be in pinstripes doing my job.

Related: A-Rod does himself no favors with handwritten apology

Team executives and Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner asked Rodriguez to speak to media before spring training, rather than having a news conference in Florida.

The 39-year-old three-time AL MVP was suspended last season for violations of baseball's drug agreement and labor contract. An arbitrator found ''clear and convincing evidence'' Rodriguez used three banned substances and twice tried to obstruct the baseball's drug investigation.

"I served the longest suspension in the history of the League for PED use," Rodriguez's statement continued. "The Commissioner has said the matter is over. The Players Association has said the same. The Yankees have said the next step is to play baseball.

"I'm ready to put this chapter behind me and play some ball. This game has been my single biggest passion since I was a teenager. When I go to spring training, I will do everything I can to be the best player and teammate possible, earn a spot on the Yankees and help us win."

Rodriguez has three years remaining on his contract with the Yankees and is owed $61 million. The team has already said Chase Headley will hold down third base, while Rodriguez will have a chance to earn at-bats as the designated hitter.

- With files from The Associated Press