Alex Rodriguez Says Being Punching Bag ‘Gets Old,’ But He Doesn’t Take Criticism From Fans ‘Personally’

BOSTON — As the case against Alex Rodriguez as a baseball player and human being grows, the Yankees slugger was left taking a wide range of questions Friday night.

Rodriguez fielded queries about the latest accusations against him, a 60 Minutes report that he implicated teammate Francisco Cervelli and Brewers star Ryan Braun in MLB’s Biogenesis investigation. But he also was asked about how fans, media and everyone in between have been piling on since the recent PED accusations began, culminating with the 211-game suspension from Major League Baseball that he is now appealing.

Rodriguez took questions for a few minutes before stretching for Friday night’s game, and he was asked how being a “punching bag” was affecting him.

“It gets old,” he said. “It does get old.”

He was then asked why it was happening.

“I have no idea,” he said. “I wish I had that answer, but I can say that I love the game, I love to be here, I love to be on the field tonight. For us, this is our playoff.”

Rodriguez remained positive as he answered questions, saying the accusations were baseless and that he was focused on supporting his team. He is expected to be at the middle of some heavy booing Friday night at Fenway Park, where fans have shown their displeasure toward the Yankees star for some time.

“I don’t take anything personally,” he said when asked about the fans.

They might, though.