DUNEDIN, Florida – After a police officer killed a black man, Yankees cameraman Aaron Hicks decided not to play Monday night against the Blue Jays.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Hicks came to him Monday afternoon following news that 20-year-old Daunte Wright was killed by an officer Sunday during a traffic stop at Brooklyn Center, a suburb of Minneapolis, and told him he was struggling with events.
“It’s just been a tough day for him, understandable, emotional,” Boone said before the Yankees opened their series against Toronto at the TD Ballpark. “It simply came to our notice then. All I can do is do my best to offer assistance. I understand how you feel. ”
Boone added that he also spoke with Giancarlo Stanton, who was outspoken during last summer’s racial riots after police-related death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, and that the DH was also considering not playing from from Monday afternoon, but eventually stayed in training.
“It’s life,” Boone said of Hicks ’decision. “This is our livelihood. It’s very important to us, but the people we get in touch with every day and work closely with and share so many things are basically like family. We all have families. Life passes. There are good times, good times, good days [and] tragic things appear that affect so many people in different ways. You try to live life in the best way possible, and sometimes that means loving and supporting someone through something. But I would say, in short, that it is part of life ”.
Not surprisingly, Boone, who has two black adopted children, was not interested in the reaction of some fans who criticized Hicks’ choice to participate in the game.
“I would say Aaron hurts tremendously, so he felt like he was probably responsible for getting himself out, knowing it would be hard for him to be mentally involved in what’s a big bet, a hard job, going out and acting in New York Yankees, ”Boone said. “It simply came to my notice then. My concern is for Aaron and his well-being. This is something immediate. It’s a real emotion you feel. ”
Hicks was recruited by the Twins and played the first three years of his major league career in Minnesota before being traded to the Yankees.
“It’s tough right now,” Boone said. “I just felt it was better not to be part of the initial training. I certainly support it. We will try to gather around you the best we can. The situation is heartbreaking in Minneapolis. He especially 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 his voice heard.
“Things happen in society and culture that affect athletics,” Boone said. “These guys, rightly, have increasingly gained a platform to express themselves. I support your right to do so. “