Derek Jeter opens up about problems with Alex Rodriguez, calls him 'not a true friend'

In the upcoming in-depth documentary about Derek Jeter, the Yankees legend broke down when his relationship with fellow MLB star Alex Rodriguez fell apart. According to an early report of the documentary’s content, Jeter claimed that Rodriguez was “not a true friend” and pinpoints exactly when their friendship soured.

Derek Jeter says Alex Rodriguez “not a true friend”

According to an early report by TMZ on the upcoming documentary called “The Captain” on ESPN, Jeter said their friendship broke down in his mind in 2001 — years before Rodriguez joined Jeter on the Yankees. The friendship between Jeter and Rodriguez began well before they joined forces in New York, as both young stars entered the MLB ranks and became big names quickly. With Rodriguez playing for the Seattle Mariners and Jeter with the Yankees, the two still became such close friends that teammates would tease them about going to each other’s houses.

However, shortly after Rodriguez signed a massive contract to play for the Texas Rangers in 2001, Rodriguez spoke in an interview with Esquire about Jeter and made comments that caused irreparable damage to their friendship in Jeter’s mind.

Jeter’s close friend told Esquire that Jeter was “blessed” to play for New York, explains TMZ.

“He’s never had to lead,” said Rodriguez. “He doesn’t have to, he can just go and play and have fun, and hit second. I mean, you know, hitting second is totally different than hitting third or fourth in a lineup because you go into New York trying to stop Bernie [William] and [Paul] O’Neill and everybody. You never say ‘Don’t let Derek beat you.’ That’s never your concern.”

Jeter explains in the documentary that the comments “bothered” him.

“I’m very, very loyal,” said Jeter. “As a friend, I’m loyal. I just looked at it as, I wouldn’t have done it.”

The documentary shows Rodriguez’s side of the story as well, with Rodriguez stating that he apologized for the comments — although Jeter claims he added “there’s not one thing he does better than me” in another interview afterwards, permanently damaging their friendship.

“He’s not a true friend, is how I felt,” Jeter said. “Because I wouldn’t do it to a friend.”

ESPN’s seven-part documentary on Jeter is set to broadcast on ESPN and ESPN+ beginning July 18, giving fans a better look at two of the biggest stars of the sports world.