Nam Y. Huh/AP
Chris Sale was not happy with Kenny Williams trying to prevent Drake LaRoche from hanging in the clubhouse.
On Wednesday, the 36-year-old first basemen abruptly retired, leaving $13 million on the table, because the White Sox president Kenny Williams asked him to stop bringing his son around the clubhouse so often.
LaRoche's son, Drake, had become a fixture in the clubhouse, with his own locker, reportedly taking part in drills and helping handle equipment. Williams reportedly asked Adam to "dial it back" with bringing Drake around the clubhouse so often.
Reports surfaced on Thursday that the White Sox players were angry and nearly boycotted practice and a spring training game before manager Robin Ventura convinced them otherwise.
Later on Thursday, Yahoo's Jeff Passan elaborated on some of that player anger, reporting that White Sox ace Chris Sale was particularly upset about the whole situation.
Heard same as @thekapman: In a contentious meeting, Chris Sale absolutely lit up White Sox prez Kenny Williams over Adam LaRoche situation.
- Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 17, 2016F-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, 2016The main thrust of Chris Sale's anger with Kenny Williams was that he's not around enough to understand the dynamics of White Sox clubhouse.
- Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 17, 2016After GM Rick Hahn and manager Robin Ventura OK'd Drake LaRoche's presence, for Williams to unilaterally say otherwise set the players off.
- Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 17, 2016Sale told Williams, unequivocally, to get out of the clubhouse and stay out, per a source. Williams acknowledges meeting was passionate. 2/2
- Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 17, 2016