Adam LaRoche's Retirement Plan Stems From Disagreement Over Kenny Williams Telling Him To Bring His Son To Clubhouse Less
(CBS) White Sox first baseman/designated hitter Adam LaRoche's abrupt plan to retire that was revealed Tuesday stemmed from a disagreement over executive vice president Kenny Williams asking him to bring his 14-year-old son Drake LaRoche around the clubhouse far less often, according to multiple reports, including that of Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal.
Drake LaRoche was around the White Sox "100 percent" of the time in the past, Williams told Rosenthal. Recently, Williams asked LaRoche to "dial it back" on how much time Drake spends around the team.
"This young man that we're talking about, Drake, everyone loves this young man," Williams told Fox Sports. "In no way do I want this to be about him.
"I asked Adam, said, 'Listen, our focus, our interest, our desire this year is to make sure we give ourselves every opportunity to focus on a daily basis on getting better. All I'm asking you to do with regard to bringing your kid to the ballpark is dial it back.'
"I don't think he should be here 100 percent of the time -- and he has been here 100 percent, every day, in the clubhouse. I said that I don't even think he should be here 50 percent of the time. Figure it out, somewhere in between."
Read Williams' full comments here. Williams made clear children are still allowed around the team and the clubhouse -- just not all the time.
LaRoche once called Drake the team's "26th man" in a Chicago Tribune article.
LaRoche's retirement papers haven't officially been sent in yet, according to reports. After he informed his teammates of his plan Tuesday, they asked him to take a few days to reconsider, which LaRoche is doing.
"I don't think it's a decision by any means he took lightly," White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said Tuesday. "He gave it a great deal of thought and spoke with his family about it. In the end, we respect his choice."
LaRoche had a career-worst season in 2015, batting .207 with 12 homers and 44 RBIs in 127 games. He's owed $13 million in 2016 in the last year of his deal, which the White Sox would be off the hook for if he retires. The White Sox went 76-86 in a disappointing 2015 campaign.
