Tipping Pitches Now The Biggest Issue For A-Rod

So Selena Roberts' new book, A-Rod: The Many Lives Of Alex Rodriguez, hits bookstores today. As our Matt Estreich pointed out the other day, the supposed new steroid allegations shouldn't be that big a deal-at least for the moment. If MLB ever finds that A-Rod did 'roids while with the Yankees, he could face the possibility of a suspension. But Rodriguez faces a bigger can of worms among his union brethren IF allegations that he tipped pitches are true.

Let's face it, we live in a society of relative morality, creating gray areas within right and wrong. All lifestyles and behaviors are cool-as long as it doesn't affect me. Nowhere is this maxim more true than in athletics. Colleges let kids in all the time with dubious pasts. In the pros, Pacman Jones had numerous chances before the NFL had the guts to say, "Enough." Rest assured, Plaxico Burress and Michael Vick will play again if they can show themselves useful to a team. If I did what any of those guys had done, I'd have a tough time getting work at IHOP.

You hear teammates and opposing players issue statements of support for a supposed changed and repentant player. Athletes are used to being given preferntial treatment, so mistakes are usually forgotten, especially if a guy has talent to help the team.

Except for possibly NOW. If A-Rod was tipping pitches while with the Rangers, that's a no-no that won't be forgiven. Chan Ho Park, R.A. Dickey, Ugueth Urbina (who has his own issues now) may have been able to look the other way while Pudge, Palmeiro and A-Rod were juicing. But tell the OTHER guys what's coming? That would not-and should not-be forgiven by Bud Selig or other players. Now you're messing around with guy's stats, and ultimately his money.

Selena Roberts may think Rodriguez a tender hearted person, as she said today on WFAN. If A-Rod is A-Tipper, do you think he'll be going to Roberts for TLC? Rodriguez can't seem to help getting into more and more trouble.