A-Rod tapped for CNBC pilot

The reality program, titled “Back in the Game,” will be produced by former New York Giants star Michael Strahan, an ABC “Good Morning America” co-host and Fox Sports NFL analyst.

“It’s a story we hear all too often,” the CNBC announcement reads. “A pro athlete heads into retirement, only to find themselves in financial free-fall. With no more games to play or paychecks to cash, the future can often look bleak to those athletes struggling to adjust and adapt. But help may be on the way.”

{mosads}The 41-year-old Rodriguez — who hit 696 home runs over 22 seasons that included the use at times of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) — will serve as a Yankees instructor during spring training. The former Mariner, Ranger and Yankee was once suspended from baseball for an entire season for repeated PED use. 

A-Rod was once considered one of the most-hated players in the game but has experienced a public relations turnaround as of late. For the past two baseball postseasons, Rodriguez has received solid reviews for his Fox Sports analyst work.

 

In 2007, Rodriguez signed a 10-year, $270 million contract with the Yankees. With incentives, the team will have paid him more than $317 million when the contract officially comes off the books on Dec. 31 of this year, according to an analysis by Sports Illustrated. 

 

CNBC has not announced a date for the show’s premiere.