Tony La Russa denied being a racist and spoke up on White Sox players protesting

In a shocking turn of events, the Chicago White Soxdecided to turn from A.J. Hinch and hire retired legend Tony La Russa as their new manager, following the firing of Rick Rentería after being knocked out of the postseason.

La Russa had retired from coaching after winning the World Series – his third title – with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011, but Jerry Reinsdorf convinced him of coming back, acknowledging that letting him go in 1986 was a mistake that still haunted him to this day.

And, while this hiring could be solid from a baseball standpoint, there were still some concerns regarding how would La Russa fit in today’s game, especially after his comments over kneeling during the anthem a couple of years ago.

Tony La Russa Says He Doesn’t Have A Racist Bone In His Body

Back when he was the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Chief Baseball Officer in 2016. La Russa said Colin Kaepernick’s protest was disrespectful and that he didn’t want the players from the teamfollowing his lead.

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That’s why he had to clarify that he’s changed his mind ever since and that not only he’s not a racist but that he’ll fully support the players who decide to make the most of their platform to protest:

“Not only do I respect, but I applaud the awareness that’s come into not just society but especially sports. (…) There’s not a racist bone in my body,” La Russa said in his press conference.

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It’s also worth noting that at least 5 players from the Chicago White Sox organization took a knee during the season. A lot has changed in baseball since he last coached but his World Series experience and feel for the game will certainly lead the team in the right direction.