Let's get up to speed real quick: Adam LaRoche retired on Wednesday because the Chicago White Sox reportedly told him they didn't want his 14-year-old son Drake hanging around all the time. It was a strange story that turned even stranger when it was reported that, as part of signing LaRoche, the Sox agreed to let Drake have a constant presence in the locker room. LaRoche's retirement upset the whole team, especially pitcher Chris Sale, who "screamed" at executive vice president Kenny Williams for causing a split with the LaRoches.
F-bombs aplenty flew during the White Sox's meeting with Kenny Williams. Players so pissed they considered boycott, as @karlravechespn said.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 17, 2016
On Friday, Sale brought LaRoche uniforms to his locker and hung them as a way to honor them. If you look closely, you can spot some writing on both uniforms.
Chris Sale has. Adam LaRoche and Drake LaRoche uniforms hanging in his Whitesox locker
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 18, 2016
Chris sale paying tribute to LaRoche family #whitesox pic.twitter.com/iz9pWDioC8
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 18, 2016
Apparently, one of those autographs addressed to Sale was written by Drake as a thank you:
Laeoche jersey hanging by Sale's locker, autographed: "To Chris: Thanks for taking care of me. Drake LaRoche"
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) March 18, 2016
This whole situation is messy, and it doesn't look like it's going to end anytime soon:
Chris Sale: The wrong guys walked out of that room, meaning teammate Adam LaRoche, and not #WhiteSox VP Ken Williams
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 18, 2016
Chris Sale: This isn't us rebelling against rules. This is us rebelling against BS.'' #WhiteSox.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 18, 2016
The #Whitesox players say that LaRoche has made up his mind and will not reconsider. He's done with baseball.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 18, 2016
Here's hoping it doesn't get uglier.