Alex Rodriguez gives simple reason for dark tan following viral interview during Bucks-Timberwolves game

Bryan Murphy

Alex Rodriguez gives simple reason for dark tan following viral interview during Bucks-Timberwolves game image

Someone properly spent their last few days of the baseball offseason the right way. 

Spring training is underway as all 30 MLB clubs are in action warming up for 2024. With the new season on the horizon, it's not just the players who are loosening up; broadcasters are, as well. 

Alex Rodriguez will soon be back on ESPN to discuss all things on the diamond, but first, the former slugger was on the network Friday night to talk about the Timberwolves. Rodriguez is a majority owner of the Minnesota basketball team, and he did an interview with NBA on ESPN during the Timberwolves' loss against the Bucks. 

While he may have been having a conversation about the success of the current Western Conference leader, that's not what the internet was talking about following the appearance. Social media poked some fun at Rodriguez due to the complexion of his skin, which appeared darker than normal. 

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The former baseball star joined in on the fun, giving a simple reason why — he fell asleep while in the sun. 

"I know that I am dark, but I am Dominican," Rodriguez said. "I went on vacation and I fell asleep in the sun. So everybody calm down."

Rodriguez was raised in the United States, however, both of his parents were immigrants from the Dominican Republic. 

It's not often, but in this case, Rodriguez's color is an example of how not-so-different professional athletes are from the public. I mean, who hasn't fallen asleep in the sun and woken up darker (or redder) than expected?

Bryan Murphy

Bryan Murphy Photo

Bryan Murphy joined The Sporting News in 2022 as the NHL/Canada content producer. Previously he worked for NBC Sports on their national news desk reporting on breaking news for the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL, in addition to covering the 2020 and 2022 Olympic Games. A graduate of Quinnipiac University, he spent time in college as a beat reporter covering the men’s ice hockey team.