Skip to content

Abreu excited to play for La Russa: 'He can count on me'

Ron Vesely / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Reigning AL MVP Jose Abreu became one of the first Chicago White Sox players to speak about new manager Tony La Russa following news of the skipper's February arrest for driving under the influence.

La Russa was taken into custody for DUI in Arizona on Feb. 24. His case was delayed due to COVID-19 and only filed on Oct. 28 - one day before the White Sox announced his hiring. It's his second DUI charge after he pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge in 2007.

While he didn't directly address the charges, Abreu - a clubhouse leader for the White Sox - said Friday he understands the matter may have soured fans on what was an already controversial hire.

"Things happen, and this is a free country. You can have an opinion and you have to respect each one's opinion," the first baseman said through an interpreter, according to Scott Merkin of MLB.com. "But for us, as a baseball player, we have to appreciate what we have."

Though he had high praise for former White Sox manager Rick Renteria, who was fired despite leading Chicago to the playoffs, Abreu said he's excited to play for a Hall of Fame skipper he called "one of the greatest managers in the history of the sport."

Abreu added that he spoke to La Russa for the first time Thursday, shortly before being named AL MVP.

"It was a short conversation, but it was a good one," Abreu said, according to James Fegan of The Athletic. "I told him yesterday, he can count on me. As a player, that's what we can do for a manager - just play hard and respect him."

The 33-year-old also reached out to Los Angeles Angels star Albert Pujols, who played under La Russa for 11 seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, to learn more about his new manager.

After issuing a statement Thursday that they "understand the seriousness" of the charges, the White Sox declined further comment until after La Russa's case goes to court.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox