NEW YORK -- Continuing his quest to make amends for comments first published more than a week ago, New York Yankees senior advisor Reggie Jackson released a statement Thursday publicly stating his contrition.
"I have been proactively reaching out to make personal apologies to those within the Hall of Fame community that I offended, and to the Yankees' organization for any disruption that I caused in the clubhouse," said Jackson, a Hall of Famer, in part of his statements. "I continue to have a strong relationship with the club, and look forward to continuing in my role with the team. As always, I remain dedicated to the great game of baseball."
A baseball official with knowledge of the team's thinking told ESPNNewYork.com that Jackson won't be with the team this upcoming homestand, but could join on the road in Oakland next Thursday.
Jackson made his comments in last week's issue of Sports Illustrated. He said there was a "cloud" over the accomplishments of Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez because of his admitted performance enhancing drug use.
Jackson also said he wasn't sure if some current Hall of Famers belonged in Cooperstown, including the recently deceased Gary Carter.
"In trying to convey my feelings about a few issues that I am passionate about, I made the mistake of naming some specific players," Jackson said in the statement Thursday. "This was inappropriate and unfair to those players, some of which are very close friends of mine. I think there are ways to speak from the heart without hurting people, and I'm disappointed that I didn't take greater care in expressing my views.
The Yankees asked Jackson to stay away from Fenway Park for last weekend's series so as not to cause a distraction.
Rodriguez answered questions about Jackson's comments.
"With friends like that, who needs enemies," Rodriguez said.
Last Friday, Rodriguez confirmed he spoke with Jackson after the comments, but wanted to keep what was said private. Sources told ESPNNewYork.com that Jackson had apologized to Rodriguez and other Yankee personnel.
"He is trying to rectify everything," Yankees manager Joe Girardi told ESPNNewYork.com at that time.