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BY KIMBERLY ESKIN
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
Reggie Jackson has started a commotion. Again.
However, summer may not exactly be Mr. October’s best season. This time, it isn’t a baseball hit from Jackson’s bat, but Reggie himself that has been catapulted from Yankee stadium.
Though no formal announcement, fine, or discipline has been administered, USA Today reports that, after Jackson’s insults to Alex Rodriguez in Sports Illustrated, the New York Yankees have requested that Jackson stay clear of the team. Jackson himself stated diplomatically, “The Yankees think that the timing is not right for me to be around the team right now. When the Yankees feel that the timing is proper, I’ll return.”
Regarding Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, Jackson told Sports Illustrated, “Al’s a very good friend. But I think there are real questions about his numbers. As much as I like him, what he admitted about his usage does cloud some of his records.”
The Yankees club did not appreciate Jackson’s very public denouncement of Rodriguez’s admitted steroid use, calling him “high maintenance.”
According to Fox Sports, concerned about the possible distraction Jackson’s comments might pose, the club did not allow him to attend the Yankees’ four-game series with the Red Sox this past weekend. When they are ready to have contact with Jackson again, the team will let him know.
Furthermore, Fox Sports reports that Jackson took a dig at former greats in the Sports Illustrated article as well, asserting, “I didn't see Kirby Puckett as a Hall of Famer. I didn't see Gary Carter as a Hall of Famer. I didn't see Don Sutton as a Hall of Famer. I didn't see Phil Niekro as a Hall of Famer. As much as I like Jim Rice, I'm not so sure he's a Hall of Famer.'' Such comments added further insult to injury, only fanning the fire Jackson created.
As of now, Nj.com reports that Jackson has extended the olive branch, offering Rodriguez, Yankees officials, and others he offended an apology. Also, the separation appears only temporary, as Jackson will stay on as a special adviser to the team.
