NEW YORK — Alex Rodriguez faces a decision far more important to his career than deciding where to sign, whether to accept a trade or if and when to opt out of his contract.

How A-Rod responds to a report that he tested positive for steroids in 2003 will likely frame his pursuit of the career home run record and could define his playing days in the view of fans and Hall of Fame voters.

Does he confess to taking performance-enhancers, as Andy Pettitte did? Does he deny, as Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens have? Does he all but confess, the route chosen by Jason Giambi? Does he refuse to discuss his past, as Mark McGwire did before a congressional committee?

He's already been labeled as "A-Fraud" in former Yankees manager Joe Torre's new book and "A-Roid" in the New York tabloids.

"When it comes to a key situation, he can't get himself to concern himself with getting the job done, instead of how it looks," Torre wrote.

He was referring to Rodriguez's play on the field, but it also applies to how A-Rod handles off-the-field news in his turbulent life.

Rodriguez has not responded publicly since Sports Illustrated reported on its Web site Saturday that he is on a list of 104 players who tested positive in 2003 during baseball's confidential survey testing, which wasn't subject to discipline. SI.com said he tested positive for Primobolan and testosterone.

"Alex has been out of the country. I expect him back later today and want to confer with my client before saying anything," agent Scott Boras said Sunday afternoon.

In addition to Boras and his staff, A-Rod could consult with his manager, Guy Oseary, the former recording company executive who also manages Madonna. Rodriguez also could speak with the top officials at the players' association, Don Fehr, Gene Orza and Michael Weiner.

Now A-Rod's quote from his spring training arrival news conference last year seems more intriguing.

"Last year, I got tested 9-to-10 times," he said then. "We have a very, very strict policy, and I think the game is making tremendous strides."