A-Rod: The Only Performance-Enhancing Drug I've Ever Taken is ExtenZe

TAMPA, FL - NY Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez presented new details this week about testing positive for drugs in 2003, saying his cousin injected him repeatedly with the over-the-counter, all-natural male enhancement product ExtenZe.

Facing the media for the first time since admitting the use of perform­ance-enhancers, Rodriguez appeared nervous and emotional as he discussed taking the revolutionary drug that increases the size of that certain part of the male anatomy.

"While I haven't done anything ille­gal, it's difficult and embarrassing to stand here before you and describe my lifelong struggle with having a small package," said the choked up slugger.

Before reports of his ExtenZe use were made public, Rodriguez had been assumed to have one of the largest penises of any baseball player of all-time. He was expected to sleep with several of Hollywood's hottest actresses in the upcoming year, including Megan Fox, Hayden Panettiere and Scarlett Johansson, prospects that appear increasingly dim in light of the rev­elation.

"When I signed with the Rangers in 2001, I felt an enormous amount of pressure to perform - not only on the field but also in the bedroom," he said. "Everything was bigger in Texas ... that was, everything except my penis. I des­perately wanted harder, longer­lasting erections and a more fulfill­ing sex life. I mean, who doesn't want to pack a little more male power?"

Rodriguez's cousin reportedly purchased the substance without a prescription via a toll-free num­ber as part of a risk-free, 60-day money-back guarantee.

"I had tried painful weights, vac­uums, gadgets - even contem­plated surgery," said the three­time MVP. "I was blown away that one little capsule could give me the manhood I'd always wanted."

Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman noted that Rodriguez has plenty of history dealing with public controversies, whether it be his divorce, his rela­tionship with Derek Jeter, or his postseason struggles. This is a different type of controversy, how­ever, one that could dramatically affect Rodriguez's legacy.

"His reputation as both a ladies man and a serial adulterer are forever tar­nished," Cashman said. "The damage is done."

Rodriguez pledged to use his plat­form to tell youths about the potential downside of male sexual enhancers. He plans to work with Ken Whitmore, who began a foundation to fight such products after his son Glenn died last year from a penis cream overdose. Whitmore attended yesterday's press conference.

Since the news that he's taken ExtenZe first broke, Rodriguez has been inundated with angry calls, text messages and e-mails from dozens upon dozens of exes, many of whom feel cheated and ripped off.

Former stripper Candice Houlihan, who slept with Rodriguez twice in 2004 while then-wife Cynthia was pregnant, would like a personal apol­ogy.

"I was paid good money when I sold our story to the tabloids," said Houlihan. "If I'd known he was corking the bat, I'd have helped destroy someone else's marriage."

According to male enhancement insiders, this is the most embarrass­ing disclosure from one of Madonna's ex-lovers since Warren Beatty was rushed to the hospital in 1990 after an unfortunate incident with a penis pump on the set of Dick Tracy.