"I know he's going through a rough time right now, and I think his apology said it all," Teixeira said. "He's disappointed in himself, he made a mistake and we're all going to move on ... I'm just going to open up my arms, give him a big hug, tell him I love him and we're going to get through this." ...

"I've been around long enough to not really be shocked by anything," he said. "This is a sport that's had some troubles, there's no doubt. I'm not going to judge anybody.

"I've never touched steroids or any of those kinds of things -- it's something I feel very strongly about -- but at the same time I've made mistakes, I'm not perfect, no one's perfect."

"I hate it, the whole steroid thing, and I know it's wrong," Hunter said by phone. "But it takes courage to come out and say, 'I did it,' like A-Rod did.

"He nipped everything in the bud when he came out and told the truth. I know he was sincere. I know him, and I like him. He is the type of guy who couldn't have this hanging over his head. He's taking all the heat now, and that's not easy for anyone, but he's a strong guy.

"To me, it's like when you're a parent, and your kid does something stupid, like all our kids do. You punish them, let them know what they did wrong and why, then it's back on track. I hope that's how it will be for A-Rod."