"Derek Jeter defended his absence from the All-Star Game in his first public comments since facing criticism for missing out on the Midsummer Classic.

Jeter said he was surprised that his absence garnered headlines, especially since his decision not to play in the game did not make waves initially.

"It seemed to be a non-issue at the time," said Jeter, who announced on Friday his decision not to attend the game to rest his right calf.

Jeter also shot down a published report that linked his absence to physical and mental exhaustion from his pursuit of his 3,000th hit.

"It was strictly based on my leg," Jeter said.

The New York Daily News quoted a baseball official who criticized Jeter's decision not to attend, and Cardinals outfielder Lance Berkman expressed his view that players who are invited should attend.

"He's not in my situation," Jeter said."