OK, I know why compare Alex Rodriquez to Dan Marino? Many things in common:
- They both started for their teams in their rookie years
- They are icons in their prospective sports
- One is already a Hall of Famer and the other is a first ballot if not for the steroids.
- One grew in Miami and still has a home there and the other has lived there since 1983.
- One is a Yankee fan and the other is a Yankee
- They are both known for wearing number 13, A-Rod grew up a Marino fan which is why he wears it.
- Both have made millions throughout the years and have reinvested it wisely.
- Both cheated on their wives, one lead to a divorce and the other has not.
Major differences between the two exist as well.
Marino was chosen last in the first round and also the last quarterback picked in the quarterback class of 84…why? He was sold as a problematic golden boy who was full of himself and liked to party with cocaine and other drugs. On the flipside A-Rod was drafted straight from high school and made out to be the kid next door.
Let’s go forward now.
Marino became the ultimate team player and leader of the Miami Dolphins. Never said anything wrong to the media. Always poised and ready to show respect, with Shula as a mentor how could he not have developed in this matter? Marino restructured his contract to allow for new free agents under the cap. Yes it recently surfaced that he has a lovechild, so what we all make mistakes. He had the common sense to address it immediately, take the blame and we have all moved on.
A-Rod has been in the limelight since he was eighteen with no real father figure and people blowing smoke up his butt. He has become the problem with athletes now a days, self-absorbed and money hunger. He has made ridiculous and inexcusable mistakes along the way including steroid use. After the Yankees not making the playoffs one year he announced during a World Series his need for a new long term record setting contract.
In summary both of these men have performed better then most athletes in any sport. Both have been extraordinary over long stretches of time. Hall of Fame careers, no doubt. I wonder would A-Rod be seen differently if he had been exposed to a Shula or Torre type from day one? Is he a product of self-indulgence and greed by association?
Thoughts?
Pepper