Athletes support Adam LaRoche’s decision to retire
In response to White Sox designated hitter Adam LaRoche’s decision to retire because his son was not welcome in the Chicago clubhouse, several athletes took to Twitter on Wednesday to voice their support of his choice.
Bryce Harper, who was LaRoche’s teammate when he played for the Nationals between 2011 and 2014, tweeted his backing of LaRoche’s walking away from the game after 12 years, saying, “Nothing like father and son in the clubhouse.”
LaRoche’s 14-year-old son Drake has traveled with his father’s teams for years, but White Sox president Ken Williams balked at his continued presence in the clubhouse and told LaRoche his son should not come with him every day.
LaRoche, 36, used the hashtag #FamilyFirst on Tuesday in a tweet apparently referencing his retirement, and other athletes followed suit using variations of the phrase.
Even Chicago Bears offensive tackle Kyle Long weighed in, offering LaRoche and his son the opportunity to visit the Bears’ locker room.
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports spoke to Brewers pitcher Blaine Boyer, who called the situation a struggle between good and evil.
By choosing to retire, LaRoche walked away from the $13 million he was due to be paid this season, the remainder of the two-year, $25 million contract he signed with the White Sox before the 2015 season.
- Erin Flynn
