Derek Jeter 'disappointed' but supportive of Alex Rodriguez

Yankees captain Derek Jeter said he's "disappointed" in Alex Rodriguez for using performance-enhancing drugs, but while he doesn't "condone" what Rodriguez did, he plans to support him and help him through this season.

Jeter, who addressed the issue for the first time Wednesday after the opening full squad workout, said he believed Rodriguez's explanation for injecting "Boli" twice a month for three seasons with the Rangers (2001 to 2003).

"I think I always try to give (people) the benefit of the doubt," Jeter said. "I believe him. What was going through my head was how difficult it was for him."

Jeter said the most frustrating thing about all of this is how people are labeling several years in baseball the "steroid era". Jeter said he was never tempted to use, was never approached about using it.

"Everybody wasn't doing it," Jeter said.

— JOE SMITH, Times Staff Writer