DUNEDIN, Florida – After a black man was killed by a Minnesota police officer, Yankees outfield Aaron Hicks decided not to play against the Blue Jays on Monday night.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Hicks came to him Monday afternoon after news that 20-year-old Daunte Wright was shot by an officer Sunday during a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center, a suburb of Minneapolis, and told him he was struggling with events.
“It was just a tough day for him, understandably, exciting,” Boone said before the Yankees opened their series against Toronto at TD Ballpark. “She felt it would be difficult for her to go out there tonight. All I can do is try my best to provide assistance. I understand how he feels. ”
Boone added that he also spoke with Giancarlo Stanton, who was opened during racial unrest last summer after George Floyd’s death in connection with police in Minneapolis, and DH was also considering not playing from Monday afternoon. , but eventually stayed in line.
“It’s life,” Boone said of Hicks’ decision. “It simply came to our notice then. It’s very important to us, but the people we get in touch with every day and work closely with and share so much, in essence, are like family. We all have families. Life happens. These are great times, good times, great days [and] tragic things that happen and affect so many people in so many different ways. You try to live life as best you can and sometimes that means loving and supporting someone through something. But I would say that, all in all, it is a part of life. ”
Not surprisingly, Boone – who has two adopted children who are black – was not interested in the reaction of fans who criticized Hicks’ choice to play.
“I would say that Aaron hurts him in a huge way, in a way that he felt he was probably responsible for getting out on his own, knowing that it would be hard for him to be all-in mentally in what is at stake. great, hard job, get out there and play for the New York Yankees, “Boone said.” I really don’t give them even two thoughts. My concern is for Aaron and his well-being. This is something immediate. It’s a real thrill. which he feels ”.
Hicks was drafted by the twins and played the first three years of his career in the major leagues in Minnesota, before being traded to the Yankees.
“He’s having a tough time right now,” Boone said. “He felt it was best not to be on the starting line. I certainly support that. We will try to gather around him as best we can. The situation is dire in Minneapolis. He particularly hit Aaron. ”
Three major sports teams in the city, the Twins, Timberwolves and Wild, postponed their games on Monday. And Boone said he was behind the players making their voices heard.
“Things are happening in the society and culture that spills over into athletics,” Boone said. “These guys, rightly, have increasingly gained a platform to express themselves. I support their right to do so. ”