C.C. Sabathia’s first interview since entering alcohol rehab will air Friday. (Getty)
In his first interview since entering rehab, C.C. Sabathia’s interview with Robin Roberts is scheduled to air Friday morning on Good Morning America. Sabathia entered treatment for alcohol the day before his Yankees were scheduled to play in their AL Wild Card elimination game against the Houston Astros. The Yankees lost that game, 3-0, ending their season.
In the interview Sabathia, accompanied by his wife Amber, told Roberts about his decision to leave the Yankees before the season was finished. While he acknowledged that the timing was unfortunate, Sabathia said that there was “No other option” at the time.
“I know it was a bad time of the season, but there was no other option for me but to get help. And I understand where, you know, fans would be upset and people don’t understand, but it’s a disease. And if it was my knee or it was anything else, then people wouldn’t have a problem with it, but, you know, it being alcoholism, it’s tough for people to swallow. But it’s the same thing.”
Sabathia, who will be 36 next season, also said that he looks forward to rejoining his teammates with the Yankees next season. This year Sabathia battled through injuries and finished 6-10 with a 4.73 ERA in 29 starts.
Good Morning America airs from 7-9 a.m. Eastern.