Am I the only one who doesn’t think Reggie Jackson committed a terrible sin? Sure, he’s a hot dog and “stirs the drink,” but why isn’t he allowed to be honest in a Sports Illustrated article? I found his comments refreshingly unscripted, not inflammatory.
For anyone who hasn’t followed this semi-drama…
Reggie Jackson apologizes again
By Andrew Marchand | ESPNNewYork.comNEW YORK — Continuing his quest to make amends for comments first published more than a week ago, New York Yankees senior advisor Reggie Jackson released a statement Thursday publicly stating his contrition.
“I have been proactively reaching out to make personal apologies to those within the Hall of Fame community that I offended, and to the Yankees’ organization for any disruption that I caused in the clubhouse,” said Jackson, a Hall of Famer, in part of his statements. “I continue to have a strong relationship with the club, and look forward to continuing in my role with the team. As always, I remain dedicated to the great game of baseball.”
A baseball official with knowledge of the team’s thinking told ESPNNewYork.com that Jackson won’t be with the team this upcoming homestand, but could join on the road in Oakland next Thursday.
Jackson made his comments in last week’s issue of Sports Illustrated. He said there was a “cloud” over the accomplishments of Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez because of his admitted performance enhancing drug use.
Jackson also said he wasn’t sure if some current Hall of Famers belonged in Cooperstown, including the recently deceased Gary Carter.
“In trying to convey my feelings about a few issues that I am passionate about, I made the mistake of naming some specific players,” Jackson said in the statement Thursday. “This was inappropriate and unfair to those players, some of which are very close friends of mine. I think there are ways to speak from the heart without hurting people, and I’m disappointed that I didn’t take greater care in expressing my views.
The Yankees asked Jackson to stay away from Fenway Park for last weekend’s series so as not to cause a distraction.
Rodriguez answered questions about Jackson’s comments.
“With friends like that, who needs enemies,” Rodriguez said.
Last Friday, Rodriguez confirmed he spoke with Jackson after the comments, but wanted to keep what was said private. Sources told ESPNNewYork.com that Jackson had apologized to Rodriguez and other Yankee personnel.
“He is trying to rectify everything,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi told ESPNNewYork.com at that time.
Yes, I’m sure there were hurt feelings and egos as a result of his comments. And yes, he’s on the Yankees’ payroll and isn’t supposed to criticize other Yankees. And yes, he should have been more diplomatic about his opinions. But come on already. He didn’t say anything about A-Rod that the rest of us haven’t thought or said, did he?
Tags: A-Rod, Hall of Fame, Reggie Jackson, Sports Illustrated, Yankees
I agree with Reggie, not only on A-Rod but on ALL the PED users in this wacky era we’ve survived. Barry Bonds gets a pass because he was putting up Hall of Fame worthy numbers with Pittsburgh long before he started juicing. But Clemens, McGwire, Caminiti, et al — if I had a vote I would think very long and hard before voting for them. My default reaction is “nope, his numbers are as inflated by steroids as his muscles were.”
To me, that makes the numbers put up by people in the 70′s, 80′s and early 90′s even more impressive. Someone like Jack Morris or Bert Blyleven or Jim Rice did it ALL on their own, without being chamically enhanced. And to me, Roger Maris still holds the season home-run record and Hank Aaron the (American) career record [he's over 100 short of the all-time record, set by Sadaharu Oh.] They did it without chemical enhancements.
The steroid era is a part of baseball history and probably should have its own exhibit in the HoF. All those who put up great numbers but under the steroid shadow could be featured there. I commented recently that A-Rod’s fall to earth could have something to do with his current lack of steroid use, though certainly it could be age-related as well. Possibly it’s both. As for Reggie Jackson, he didn’t say anything wrong and it bothers me to see him, of all people, groveling. I get that he probably should have kept his comments more general and not have named names but his real mistake was believing people accept frank answers today. If your statements have not been tweaked and spun and phrased just the right way so as not to offend ANYONE then you should keep them to yourself. The last thing we need in this day and age is a little honesty.
WWGS & D???
What Would George Say & Do?
I agree, Sean. I think Reggie’s real “sin” was sounding critical of a Yankee, although he merely said there could be a “cloud” around A-Rod. The organization doesn’t take too kindly to criticism.
Well put, Audrey. Nobody can just say what they think anymore. It all has to be filtered through a publicist or “crafted.” I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks Reggie has done enough groveling.
He’d fire him, John. Which would only create the circus the Yankees are trying to avoid.
When all the hoopla began I looked at what he said again. And I did agree with him.
I guess the Yankee theory just is that what happens in the Yankee family stays in the Yankee family regardless of what you are asked.
He should take a lesson from Derek. I don’t believe he has ever REALLY answered a question but he is good at making it sound like he does. That is a skill – even if we don’t like it. :-)
Yup, Peg, Derek has the commenting-by-not-commenting thing down. It’s definitely a skill and he should give a course in Derek Jeter Media 101.
Great comments by Sean K and Audrey; couldn’t agree more. Still remember Fred McGriff’s comments when he was retiring and they asked him what he was most proud of doing. He said, “I hit [was it 375?] homers. Just me. No help,” or words to that effect. Always admired ya, Freddie. Amen.
All this kerfuffle over Reggie is so foolish…esp. at a time when we’re getting broadsided by the Penn State scandal report. Indescribably awful. I still feel sick for the current players and students, and the many proud but duped alumni. You’d hope this would transform college sports, and ultimately improve pro sports, but it probably won’t. I pray that no such scandal hits college baseball, or ANY level of baseball. But it probably already has, and we just don’t know about it yet. Still, I pray not…
Yes george would fire him and they’d both sulk for a few years until they kissed and made up. Ya da ya da ya da.
Reggie was only telling the truth, but since he is who he is, the media had to make a big deal of it. A humbler player wouldn’t even be noticed.
Speaking of old, non-humble players, the whole George Brett fest in the middle of the home run derby made me shake my head in disgust. Didn’t like him as a player, don’t like him now.
And one comment on the ASG. Prince fielder really illustrated what a great first baseman texiera is. His inability to catch jeter’s throw was a little pathetic. I could almost read jeter’s mind “Tex would have had that.”
Transform college sports? I highly doubt it, Dave. I’ve never seen so many people in denial including those who defended Paterno.
I didn’t watch, Melissa, but I’m sure you’re right about Jeter’s thoughts about Fielder vs Tex. We’re lucky to have Marky, despite his streaky hitting.
Jane, on the Paterno stuff…
I’m not going to defend him. When he was still alive, he admitted publicly that he wished he had done more. [I do find it interesting that when it broke a few months ago, the police investigatiing said JoePa was the ONLY person involved who HAD fulfilled his legal obligations. But morally, he should have done more, like told Spanier/Schultz/Curley to do a real investigation and dump Sandusky like a hot potato if there was even a smidgen of truth to what was being reported by McQueary.]
I will, however, say that everyone else involved needs be in jail. McQueary SAW a crime being committed in front of his eyes and didn’t call 9-1-1 to report it — WHY? [He does that, Sandusky is arrested on the spot and the whole thing is cut off at the pass.]
As for Spanier, Schultz and Curley — after JoePa passed McQueary’s eyewitness account on to them, they should have immediately busted their butts investigating EVERYTHING in full detail. Schultz had police powers, he could have brought in Sandusky and McQueary for questioning. The fact that they KNEW and did nothing is the most sickening part of all this to me. I hope those three rot in hell alongside Sandusky for eternity — after they die in prison.
Sorry about the rant… but this stuff pushes my “angry” button.
Sean, Paterno’s legal obligations aside, he was in charge and Sandusky worked for him, and to allow a man who was even suspected of abuse to remain on staff and continue to bring kids for years there is beyond my comprehension. All that said, I don’t know how we got on this subject in the first place when the post was about Reggie Jackson. The last thing I want to write about is Penn State.
i can’t wait for yankee baseball. it feels like forever since we’ve played. i feel like part of my life has been on hold and now it’s starting up again.
HI Jane and Fellow Baseball Fans …
YAY !!!! REAL baseball again !!!! I’m off to Slattery’s Pub in the city with my Yankee Meetup Group. The boys in pinstripes should be rested and ready to go. Let’s hope the Yankees start the 2nd half off right ..with a BIG win!!! Go Hiro !!! Go Yankees !!!
I’ll be at the game on Sunday …it’s suppose to be sooooooooo humid. Thankfully my seats are in the shade so that helps. I have tickets for Monday too …I’m so happy as I haven’t been to a game since July 1st (Old Timer’s Day)…it seems like an eternity. I’m definitely hoping for an even better half than the first and the team is certainly capable of doing it. Wishing for Alex to get back on track, Russell to get past the Mendoza line and our players on the DL to come back healthy and better than ever for that big push to the playoffs. Joba looks like he is almost there and I believe that will be a big boost to the bullpen.
I just finished making plans for a game in Baltimore and some more Washington sight seeing in September.
We didn’t have time to see much with going to the two games when we went to Washington in June so my cousin wanted to go again. We planned it a weekend where we could also go to a game in Baltimore (my favorite part of the trip ..naturally). I make at least one trip to Balti every year and when I can manage I try to go twice. I really love Camden Yards …my favorite away ballpark. The way time is flying that trip will be here in no time.
Last but not least …thanks Dave for considering me a good fan. That was sweet of you to mention my name. In truth I think everyone on this blog deserves a nomination …the best fans in the world comment here which is the reason I never miss reading every day. Jane and the crew always help put a smile on my face no matter how my day is going.
As for Reggie …hey …it’s Reggie being Reggie.
Everyone have a terrific weekend …let’s go for a SWEEP !!!
Go Yankees 2012
One game at a time, Peggy. Let’s start by winning the first one and get the second half of the seaon off on a good note!