Handwriting Expert Says A-Rod's Apology Shows 'Signs of Confusion'

A handwriting expert says the letter shows confidence but also confusion.

ByABC News
February 17, 2015, 4:39 PM
New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez heads to the dugout in this Sept. 14, 2013, file photo.
New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez heads to the dugout in this Sept. 14, 2013, file photo.
Winslow Townson/AP Photo

— -- Alex Rodriguez's handwritten letter apologizing for his alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs shows "signs of confusion," a handwriting expert told ABC News.

In a letter addressed "To the Fans," the five-paragraph note released today by the Yankee said, "I take full responsibility for the mistakes that led to my suspension."

"I regret that my actions made the situation worse than it needed to be," Rodriguez wrote.

Handwriting expert Dr. Ruth Brayer said the note shows "signs of confusion" and that Rodriguez "lacks self-awareness."

PHOTO: This image issued by New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez shows a two-page handwritten apology issued on Feb. 17, 2015, three days before the team opens spring training, addressed "to the fans."
This image issued by New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez shows a two-page handwritten apology issued on Feb. 17, 2015, three days before the team opens spring training, addressed "to the fans."

While Brayer said she doesn't have a professional opinion on whether the letter shows genuine remorse, she said the handwriting reveals that Rodriguez takes calculated risks, pays attention to detail and "thinks big."

"He's very good with the big picture," she said.

The letter also shows that Rodriguez is disciplined, confident and a perfectionist, Brayer said.

"Perfectionists do a perfect job, but they also don't like to admit mistakes," Brayer said, noting that based on the handwriting, it's clear this was "not spontaneous writing."

Rodriguez was "very cautious about what he wrote," she said.

Rodriguez's actions led Major League Baseball to suspend him last season. His letter added that he "served the longest suspension in the history of the league for PED use" and "the commissioner has said the matter is over."

"The next step is to play baseball," he wrote.

Rodriguez ended the letter looking forward, concluding, "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."