The Chicago White Sox have suspended starting pitcher Chris Sale for five days following an incident over the team’s jerseys.
The Mizuno pro was scratched from a game against the Detroit Tigers on Saturday after he reportedly took a knife and cut up retro White Sox uniforms.
Source: “Sale asked that they not wear (throwbacks) on his day because they are uncomfortable. Things escalated when they wouldn’t relent.”
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 24, 2016
The five-time All-Star, upset that players had to wear an “uncomfortable” 1976 collared throwback jersey, damaged them so that could not be worn, according to Fox Sports.
Before taking action with a knife, Sale asked that the uniforms not be used, but White Sox staff refused his request.
“Chris has been suspended for violating team rules, for insubordination and for destroying team equipment,” White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said in a statement Sunday. “While we all appreciate Chris’ talent and passion, there is a correct way and an incorrect way to express concerns about team rules and organizational expectations.”
Official: Chris Sale has been scratched from tonight’s scheduled start.
STATEMENT: pic.twitter.com/wOB8JTsjzu
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) July 23, 2016
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The five-day suspension began Saturday and ends Wednesday.
White Sox starters have a history of choosing game jerseys, but the throwback gear was tied to a giveaway on that day.
Sources say: Sale cut up throwbacks during batting practice. Upset that, in his view, PR and jersey sales were more important than winning.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 24, 2016
Not a joke: Source says Sale blowup was because he didn’t want to wear throwbacks, so he cut the jerseys up so no one could wear them.
— Tommy Stokke (@StokkeTommy) July 23, 2016
Sale was sent home Saturday after a confrontation with staff, and the team later issued a statement that an investigation was being conducted.
The athlete wears Mizuno cleats on the field.
