Sheffield calls out Torre, Jeter, Bonds in HBO interview

[Wassit3]

Gary Sheffield has strong words about New York Yankees manager Joe Torre, former Yankees teammate Derek Jeter, San Francisco slugger Barry Bonds and steroids in an interview with HBO's "Real Sports" that will air Tuesday.

Sheffield says Torre treats black players differently from white players and says Jeter, who is from a mixed-race marriage, "ain't all the way black," during the interview with Andrea Kremer, as reported by Newsday.

As for Bonds, Sheffield says "if I took what Barry Bonds took, why don't I look like him?" He also says that he never took steroids because "the bottom line is steroids is something you stick in your butt -- period."

Buster Olney
on Gary Sheffield

Gary Sheffield has a long history of picking verbal fights and complaining he has been mistreated. But Sheffield's words about Joe Torre are sharp and vicious, whether he meant them to be or not, writes Buster Olney. Blog Insider

He added that he would be willing to talk to baseball's steroids investigator, former Senator George Mitchell. "I don't feel like it's all that much of a threat to me," he said.

A copy of the interview was made available to Newsday, the newspaper reported.

Sheffield, who was traded to the Detroit Tigers during the offseason, claimed that black and white players in the Yankees clubhouse were treated differently, specifically how players Tony Womack and Kenny Lofton were handled by Torre. In the interview with HBO, Sheffield says the black players on the Yankees' roster would be "called out" in the clubhouse by Torre, while the white players would be called into Torre's office to discuss matters.

"They weren't treated like everybody else. I got called out in a couple of meetings that I thought were unfair," Sheffield told Kremer.

Sheffield later added: "He had a message to get across to the whole team, so he used me to get the message across." Sheffield said Torre didn't use the same method with white players.

"No ... I'd see a lot of white players get called in the office and treated like a man. That's the difference."

Sheffield
He had a message to get across to the whole team, so he used me to get the message across.

Gary Sheffield, on Joe Torre
Sheffield said he doesn't consider Torre a racist. "No. I think it's the way they do things around there," he said. "Since I was there I just saw that they run their ship different."

At that point, Kremer says to Sheffield that the Yankees most high-profile player is black. "Who?" Sheffield says.

Told Jeter, Sheffield says: "Derek Jeter is black and white."

Later, he said there was no real significance to Jeter's bi-racial heritage, but added: "Derek Jeter used to come to me and try to tell you what Joe Torre is all about, he's a good man, he's this, he's that, but like I tell Derek Jeter, that's you. It's one thing that they treat you a certain way; you don't feel what other people feel."

Torre, asked about Sheffield's comments prior to Friday night's game in Tampa Bay, said: "I don't even want to answer those kinds of questions. I'm more comfortable not answering."

In the visiting clubhouse at Safeco Field on Friday, Sheffield stood behind what he said -- that Torre is not a racist -- but also tried to clarify some statements. In the piece, when it was mentioned that the Yankees' most prominent player -- Derek Jeter -- is black, Sheffield quickly clarified that Jeter is "black and white."

When asked the significance of that, Sheffield said, "It's really no significance. It's just you ain't all the way black."

On Friday, Sheffield said he and the Yankees shortstop were best friends on the team, and that Sheffield's son is also of mixed race.

"They're trying to make it a problem with him, when my son is the same. I'd say the same thing about my son," Sheffield said. "No one knows he's black until they look at the back of his jersey and see 'Sheffield.' "

Jeter declined comment.

As for Bonds, a former workout partner and friend of Sheffield's, the Tigers' outfielder says Bonds scoffed at him when he was using vitamins. Sheffield says he then got substances from BALCO, claiming not to know they were steroids.

Sheffield allegedly told a grand jury that he used steroid cream on his legs and "clear" under his tongue, but didn't know they were steroids.

He said his relationship with Bonds deteriorated because of a lack of trust.

"I trusted this man, he allowed me to stay in his house," Sheffield says. "I started seeing the control factor. I started seeing, wait a minute, you aren't going to tell me what to do."

On Friday, Sheffield said he doesn't speak with Bonds.

"We don't have no communication," Sheffield said. "I love and respect Barry to this day. I had a problem with him at that time, but I moved on and forgave."

Sheffield reportedly began the interview by saying: "I tell myself every offseason I'm not going to say anything crazy. I'm just going to have a peaceful season ... Can't do it. I'm cut from a different cloth."

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2935737

[RickD]

Ah you gotta love the ME-1st Players.. Those who think they have something intelligent to say when they just come off looking less than smart.

When you look at the mixed races that are the NY Yanks c'mon.......A-Rod, Jeter, Posada, Cano, Giambi, Abreu etc....I just don't buy Sheffields comments.....sour grapes from a player who didn't live up to NY expectations.

[slowrx7]

It seems recently the whole Yankees team hasn't lived up to expectations and I'm positive almost any yankee would rather be on the Tigers who are target to get to the World Series again, rather than be on a Yankees team that is a pretender rather than a contender.

Sheffield is not a me first player either, he just is open about his feelings on race in baseball - while they seem outrageous at first, most of his views are correct.

[RickD]

Well I am never going to be convinced a Million dollar athlete who's career depends on his health/body being in shape is NOT going to know what exactly are in the contents of things you rub on your body or put under your tongue. BULL!

[Wassit3]

Well I am never going to be convinced a Million dollar athlete who's career depends on his health/body being in shape is NOT going to know what exactly are in the contents of things you rub on your body or put under your tongue. BULL!

I dunno, many aren't smart enough to know where their money is going so I can believe some might be stupid enough to not know what they are putting into their body.

[RickD]

Lol

[DontTreadOnMe]

Sheffield to me is the one who sounds like a racist.

Did'nt he say Jeter doesnt count because he isnt black enough?

Ridiculous.

[slowrx7]

He meant that society treats mixed racial people differently than full blacks, and he is correct. It wasn't his opinion that Jeter is less of person - it is just a fact he is of mixed ancestry.

[michaelg123789]

Sheffield to me is the one who sounds like a racist.

Did'nt he say Jeter doesnt count because he isnt black enough?

Ridiculous.
lol good point

[slowrx7]

Uh, I already disproved his 'point'. Lol @ u

[RickD]

He meant that society treats mixed racial people differently than full blacks, and he is correct. It wasn't his opinion that Jeter is less of person - it is just a fact he is of mixed ancestry.

Then that is what HE should have said. What he did say though sounds like he was making a racist comment against people of mixed heritage!

[DontTreadOnMe]

Then that is what HE should have said. What he did say though sounds like he was making a racist comment against people of mixed heritage!

Exactly.

LOL @ him.

[robinhoodnik]

He meant that society treats mixed racial people differently than full blacks, and he is correct. It wasn't his opinion that Jeter is less of person - it is just a fact he is of mixed ancestry.

That's your interpretation of a bigoted jackass' statement. He's a grown man, and as you pointed out, and I quote:
Originally Posted by slowrx7 Sheffield is not a me first player either, he just is open about his feelings on race in baseball - while they seem outrageous at first, most of his views are correct.
Which makes you look like a bigoted jackass too.
Your turn.

[slowrx7]

There was NOTHING in his statements that are racist. The fact is most people, no matter hard they try, do have racial preferences. I can't wrap my head around the fact that all of you seem to misconstrue and twist his words around. It isn't Sheffield's fault that people normally treat mixed racial people differently than they do full blacks. Torre is the bigot here, not Sheffield. If you can't tell the fact that Sheffield isn't the best at grammar and wording, then that says something about you. The point is what Sheffield said was true. The fact is Jeter is mixed. It is a fact. Get over it. Torre treated whites and mixed races differently. That is also a fact. Sheffield noting this does not make him a racist, it makes whoever thinks he is - well, it makes them something. I do find it cute you had to resort to mud-flinging, when the problem actually was you have poor reading comprehension.

Don't get upset at Sheffield for stating facts. If you get offended at facts, then there is no help for you.

[DontTreadOnMe]

The only person I see treating mixed race people any different here is Gary Sheffield.

LMAO.


One could argue that mixed race children have it worse off than Sheffield's "Pure Breds" because the rift isnt just in society but in the family as well.

When asked about Jeter, Sheffield basically said he isnt black enough so he doesnt count.

Racist to the bone IMHO.
Dont get upset that your hero is a flaming racist retard.

[slowrx7]

FFS dudes - get it through your skull. When he said 'not black enough' he meant for that racist bigot you all defend, Joe Torre. He meant in Joe's eyes, Jeter was half-white and therefore better. He was referring to way he perceived Torre thought, through Torre's actions. He meant that TORRE DIDN'T COUNT JETER AS A BLACK therefore not treating Jeter the same as full-blooded black. Sheffield merely stated a 100% fact that Jeter is mixed. It is a fact. 100% true. Sheffield did not put Jeter down for his race. He merely was trying to be more specific in how that ***** of Yankee manager (who clearly is successful at making the most talented team in baseball mediocore) treated his underlings. I can not for the life of me believe that is that hard for you guys to decipher.

Yes, Sheffield is almost illiterate. He doesn't word his views in the most politically correct way. But reread the **** statements before you post again. Please.

You guys seriously need some education before you start posting in public sites. You need to learn how to comprehend what you have read, and put it in the correct context. All you guys have proven is you are unable to comprehend what you have read.

[robinhoodnik]

There was NOTHING in his statements that are racist. The fact is most people, no matter hard they try, do have racial preferences. I can't wrap my head around the fact that all of you seem to misconstrue and twist his words around. It isn't Sheffield's fault that people normally treat mixed racial people differently than they do full blacks. Torre is the bigot here, not Sheffield. If you can't tell the fact that Sheffield isn't the best at grammar and wording, then that says something about you. The point is what Sheffield said was true. The fact is Jeter is mixed. It is a fact. Get over it. Torre treated whites and mixed races differently. That is also a fact. Sheffield noting this does not make him a racist, it makes whoever thinks he is - well, it makes them something. I do find it cute you had to resort to mud-flinging, when the problem actually was you have poor reading comprehension.

Don't get upset at Sheffield for stating facts. If you get offended at facts, then there is no help for you.

Um, yeah. I'm white. Growing up, all of my fathers friends were either black, Wampanoag Indians, or mixed. I didn't get dosed with the "differerent races are different people" idiocy as a child. I have a big problem with people treating other people differently because of skin color. That goes for the Revs. Sharpton, and Jackson, Imus, Democratic congressman from W. Virginia, and Grand Kleagle of the Klu Klux Klan, Robert Byrd, right down to stupid jocks like Sheff and John Rocker. Grow up and see things for what they are.

[robinhoodnik]

Sheffield's acted like a complete idiot his whole career. This clown shouldn't be quoted anywhere outside of a Flynt publication.

[slowrx7]

robinhoodnik - Torre was the one treating people differently based on race - not Sheffield. Reread the interview.

[slowrx7]

Sheffield was explaining Torre's behaivor, not condoning it.

[ohms_law]

robinhoodnik - Torre was the one treating people differently based on race - not Sheffield. Reread the interview.

Prove it though. The only person that I've ever seen make those sorts of statements is the Sheffield, in between bouts of crying about how he's always "misunderstood and mistreated".

[RickD]

Exactly and again if you look at the Yankees lineup there are MANY ethnic groups represented and they all appear to be treated the same. Not 1 person has backed up Sheff's statements which to me is telling in and of itself.

Again from Pitchers (Wang) to the infield and outfield the team has a lot of non-whites and I believe if Torre was that much of a racist these guys would call him out in public in a united front knowing the media, et al would get behind them.

[RickD]

As for the illiteracy of Sheff....not speaking in public properly is not illiteracy.

[Touro73]

I don't think Sheffield is a racist, I just think he is an ignorant fool that is way overpaid to play a game. He should just close his mouth and do the things he is paid for.

[slowrx7]

The Yankees aren't going to speak out while they are still on the team. They are professionals and will try to work it out in the clubhouse. I happen to believe Torre is a bigot, although it doesn't matter if he a bigot or not. The whole mini-thread was people thinking Chef is a racist, which was gotten from people misreading the statements. Chef doesn't make a single racist remark. That's really the point I was making. That I tend to believe Chef has no bearing on what the statement says. I really don't care if Torre is a bigot and I am not trying to sway people to my opinion on that. I was only pointing out Chef didn't make a racist statement, people just didn't decipher the article correctly and got the wrong point of it. I am fairly certain Chef is also happier being on a winner instead of a poor Yankee team.

[RickD]

1) Sheff did say blacks were treated didfferently on the team.
2) Sheff did comment on another mans ethnic orgins!

When NO other former players of Torre have come out and made similar comments.....and c'mon Bernie Williams left unhappy and could have blasted Torre if he was racist, you have to think it may just be in Sheff steroid affected brain.

3) 14 of the current 25 starters are of other ethnic groups besides white as is 1 of the coaches.....in today's media you cannot tell me these guys would not LEAK to the media if Torre was a bigot!

[robinhoodnik]

I don't think that the man (George Steinbrenner) who hired the first black head coach/manager (John McLendon) in professional sports history, would put up with a racist manager in 2007.

[Wassit3]

I think what the reporter is saying and Sheffield's too is that in his opinion Torre is a racist. Opinions are like asses, we all have em, some are full of ****.

[slowrx7]

We all comment at one point in time on another's ethinic origin. That in itself is stating a fact, and is not wrong in any way. I happen to be of German/Polish descent. It's a fact. As long as someone states it without making a derogatory comment linked to it, they didn't do anything wrong.

Also, I don't have any problem with people who feel Torre isn't racist. We can all make our own opinions based on facts. Once again, I wasn't trying to sway anyones opinion of Torre - I was only trying to correct some people here that made big mistakes in what Chef was trying to get across. Anyway, I think it's time to lock this thread.

[Wassit3]

Anyway, I think it's time to lock this thread.

lol you're right about that lol,

[robinhoodnik]

No need to lock anything here. Only Sheff's comments are questionable, and he didn't make them here.

[TacoBoy]

Sheffield has a whole history of making comments like this. In his days here in Milwaukee he repeatedly claimed Milwaukee's mangement was racist. When Bill Spiers beat him out for the starting SS job he claimed it was because of racism. When the Brewers traded away Dave Parker he claimed it was because of racism. Later Sheffield demanded to be traded and when the Brewers refused he started intentionally commiting errors, throwing the ball in the dugout an such. As a Mexican-American I found his comments a few weeks ago about latino players offensive. Torre may be a racist, who knows? But I certaintly wouldn't take Sheffield's word for it.

[slowrx7]

Well Robinhoodnik -The only thing questionable here is how you come up with interpretations of people's comments that are no where close to what they were intended to be, IMHO. Like I said before, learn to comprehend what you have read - Chef made no racist comments in this statement. He may have made harsh comments, but I'm sure Torre isn't concerned since he has bigger problems concerning his job security (10 games out with best talent in the League).

"With his contract due to expire at the end of the season, the Yankees are expected to go in a new direction, and so Torre's remarkable tenure will end on a sour note after a season of controversy and disappointment in the Bronx." -

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Avm.yfWSOV44JnIeGXXwQCIi0bYF?slug=txyankeestorre&prov=st&type=lgns

[slowrx7]

Oh yeah - and he hit a Grand Slam yesterday :)

[RickD]

Well slowrx7 I have to say you'd make a great press agent for Sheff. He makes the stupid comments and you defend them as being something other than what he said. As Tacoboy said....Sheff has a history of screamig racism!

[RickD]

In the June, 2007 issue of GQ Magazine, Sheffield (a Detroit Tiger at the time) was quoted saying that there are more Latin baseball players than black players because Latinos are easier to control.

“What I called is that you’re going to see more black faces, but there ain’t no English going to be coming out. ... (It’s about) being able to tell (Latin players) what to do — being able to control them,” he told the magazine. “Where I’m from, you can’t control us.” He went on to elaborate, "They have more to lose than we do. You can send them back across the island. You can’t send us back. We’re already here.


Tell me this is not borderline racist.....sounds like he is calling out the wrong person.....should point the finger at himself.

[Kotoll]

Sheffield has always had a horrible way with getting his point out. One of the problems is the huge chip on his shoulders. Other is his mouth which can't seem to stop. Basically I think he does it because he plays better angry. But as wrong as Sheff's comments are there is a slight truth to them. Keep it mind as a black male in a sport where not many black players play that is his perception.

[RickD]

True...there are not many black players in baseball....there are not many white players in basketball.....I don't here anyone screaming racism there!

[Kotoll]

True...there are not many black players in baseball....there are not many white players in basketball.....I don't here anyone screaming racism there!

We didn't have white people sitting in the back of a bus either. Or using different drinking fountains. Things are different but its still going to take a few generations for alot of those old feelings to go away.

[robinhoodnik]

Well Robinhoodnik -The only thing questionable here is how you come up with interpretations of people's comments that are no where close to what they were intended to be, IMHO. Like I said before, learn to comprehend what you have read - Chef made no racist comments in this statement. He may have made harsh comments, but I'm sure Torre isn't concerned since he has bigger problems concerning his job security

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Avm.yfWSOV44JnIeGXXwQCIi0bYF?slug=txyankeestorre&prov=st&type=lgns

So, mr Slow, you don't see anything racist in Sheff's comments about Jeter? Looks to me like Sheff's making statements based on a prejudice. Jeters only half black? How's Jeter feel about his heritage? Not sure but I'd be offended were it me being called a half breed, no matter how "nicely" Sheff puts it, half breed is a racial insult too. Harsh comments my arse, Gary's an ignorant bigot who tries to use race and racisism claims to get some kind of sympathy or advantage. He's a walking joke, and so are you for defending him.

[robinhoodnik]

We didn't have white people sitting in the back of a bus either. Or using different drinking fountains. Things are different but its still going to take a few generations for alot of those old feelings to go away.

So long as everyone keeps on pointing out our "differences", racism is going to survive. We're people, not colors, not religions, not some romanticised national heritage, we're simply people. :mad:

[HoustonGM]

So, mr Slow, you don't see anything racist in Sheff's comments about Jeter? Looks to me like Sheff's making statements based on a prejudice. Jeters only half black? How's Jeter feel about his heritage? Not sure but I'd be offended were it me being called a half breed, no matter how "nicely" Sheff puts it, half breed is a racial insult too. Harsh comments my arse, Gary's an ignorant bigot who tries to use race and racisism claims to get some kind of sympathy or advantage. He's a walking joke, and so are you for defending him.
I'm not going to get into the "Is Gary Sheffield a racist?" argument (i do agree that he makes very borderline, and sometimes racist comments), and I haven't read his quotes this time, but if he said "Jeter's half white/half black" THAT is not racist.

If it is, than it's racist to describe somebody by calling him black.

[ohms_law]

I'm not going to get into the "Is Gary Sheffield a racist?" argument (i do agree that he makes very borderline, and sometimes racist comments), and I haven't read his quotes this time, but if he said "Jeter's half white/half black" THAT is not racist.

If it is, than it's racist to describe somebody by calling him black.

Here's what started all of this:

Sheffield says Torre treats black players differently from white players and says Jeter, who is from a mixed-race marriage, "ain't all the way black," during the interview with Andrea Kremer, as reported by Newsday.

[DontTreadOnMe]

Its like a KKK member telling someone you dont understand White Power cuz you aint "all the way white". Not quite as dramatic as that but,
calling someone half bred is Racist IMHO,,, its stating that you are the one that is PURE BRED and the "mutts" should not be looked at the same as PURE BREDS.

And its ridiculous considering; Im sure if you tracked Sheffields ancestors there would be a white, asian or latino somewhere in the mix.
People should get rid of the idea that any human in this day an age is Pure Bred.


And Slowrx7, could you please tell us again how stupid everybody is and how smart you are. Its taking a few times in my dullard non reading comprehending brain to sink in. Thanks.

[slowrx7]

Heh - At least some guys understand where I was coming from. Taking other articles to try to prove Chef is a racist is off-point. I was only talking about the one statement. Not anything else he may have said.

And by some of your comments - we are all racists in this thread because we all refer to race. It is ok to state someone's race - however, treating them differently is not. I think I learned that in kindergarten. So all you hate-mongering liberals trying to play the race card can go back to your mothers basement and do whatever it is you do when you don't flame people in posts.

[HoustonGM]

So all you hate-mongering liberals trying to play the race card can go back to your mothers basement and do whatever it is you do when you don't flame people in posts.
Off topic, but this isn't a liberal/conservative issue. I'd probably be considered more "liberal" than everybody on these boards (I don't classify myself liberal or conservative though, i find major problems with both sides), and yet, I agree that stating somebody's race isn't racist..

[robinhoodnik]

So all you hate-mongering liberals trying to play the race card can go back to your mothers basement and do whatever it is you do when you don't flame people in posts.

I have a tendency to vote for the elephants, clown.

[ohms_law]

There's only one person that I've noticed "flaming" other's posts in this thread...

[RickD]

So since Sheff played the race card would he be a hate mongering liberal?

[DontTreadOnMe]

I agree that simply stating someones race isnt racist.

But when you say that person doesnt count because of his race, thats another story.

And thats what sheffield did.

Thats just the way I see it.

[RickD]

Ditto stating a person's race is NOT racist. However the facts are Sheff has screamed racism in the past as pointed out in this thread.

[slowrx7]

Once again - Sheffield was saying how Torre treated full blacks. Since Jeter isn't fully black, he doesn't factor into the equation. Understand?

And once again, I don't care what Sheffield's past is - that is not what I was debating.

I really lack the skills to make this any more clear for the 2 or 3 people that just don't seem to understand.

[slowrx7]

And RickD - it depends on it Sheffield had a legitimate gripe. If not, then yes, he would be a hate mongerer. You have to realize - I am defending Sheffield as a person or his past. I am simply debating the one interview. I am not trying to sway people to agree or disagree with his views. I am trying to educate some people on what was and wasn't implied. People on this board seem to make a lot of false assumptions and it is really, really distressing.

[slowrx7]

Ohm's law - people calling me a bigot and a clown isn't flaming? Way to be neutral on the issues, buddy.

[DontTreadOnMe]

Once again, when you say someone doesnt count or "factor into the equation" because they arent Black enough.

Thats pretty racist in my book.

And I m not really concerned about people who dont understand that.

[DontTreadOnMe]

Ohm's law - people calling me a bigot and a clown isn't flaming? Way to be neutral on the issues, buddy.


Wow for someone criticizing people for reading to much into Sheffields statements, thats a mighty big leap Brother.

[slowrx7]

He was stating what he felt was going on in Torre's head. If he was correct, Torre is the racist. If he is wrong, then he's wrongfully acusing Torre. Doesn't get much more simple than that.

And I'm not really concerned about people who don't understand - well, much of anything.

[slowrx7]

Well, robinhoodnik called me a clown, and, after rereading the thread, noticed he also was the one that called me a racist bigot. So what are you going on about?

[ohms_law]

Ohm's law - people calling me a bigot and a clown isn't flaming? Way to be neutral on the issues, buddy.


Well, robinhoodnik called me a clown, and, after rereading the thread, noticed he also was the one that called me a racist bigot. So what are you going on about?

I think that you should go back and review what was said, as I have just done for the third time. The only time that anyone has said anything directly to you is after you have jabbed someone else with a snide comment about one thing or another.

You seem to be a fan of Sheff, which is great. We should all have our favorite players, and there's nothing wrong at all with Sheffield's abilities as a ball player. You quickly became defensive after this post though:

Sheffield is not a me first player either, he just is open about his feelings on race in baseball - while they seem outrageous at first, most of his views are correct.
With that one statement, you've pretty much boxed yourself in. So, of course, when people come to the thread and reasonably make a case that his views are probably wrong in some fashion or another, I'm not surprised that you would become defensive.
So, as soon as this is said:

Sheffield to me is the one who sounds like a racist.

Did'nt he say Jeter doesnt count because he isnt black enough?

Ridiculous.

you come back and make up excuses for him:

He meant that society treats mixed racial people differently than full blacks, and he is correct. It wasn't his opinion that Jeter is less of person - it is just a fact he is of mixed ancestry.

and were called on it:

Then that is what HE should have said. What he did say though sounds like he was making a racist comment against people of mixed heritage!


That's your interpretation of a bigoted jackass' statement. He's a grown man, and as you pointed out, and I quote:

Sheffield is not a me first player either, he just is open about his feelings on race in baseball - while they seem outrageous at first, most of his views are correct.
Which makes you look like a bigoted jackass too.
Your turn.

And it carried on from there.

The point is that the defensive reactions are the problems here. To most of us, the comments that Sheff made appear to be, if not racist, then at the very least they are discriminatory.

Sheffield says Torre treats black players differently from white players and says Jeter, who is from a mixed-race marriage, "ain't all the way black," during the interview with Andrea Kremer, as reported by Newsday.

In the visiting clubhouse at Safeco Field on Friday, Sheffield stood behind what he said -- that Torre is not a racist -- but also tried to clarify some statements. In the piece, when it was mentioned that the Yankees' most prominent player -- Derek Jeter -- is black, Sheffield quickly clarified that Jeter is "black and white."

When asked the significance of that, Sheffield said, "It's really no significance. It's just you ain't all the way black."
And, those of us posting here are far from the only people to be questioning Sheff on this. There's a whole bunch of new press about him now.

Additionally, if there is such a problem, then why is Sheff so alone on this? If there were such a problem, in this day and age, there are plenty of other people who would speak out. Jeter himself, being of mixed "heritage", is probably more subject to such problems then Sheffield will ever be. Sheffield has a chip on his shoulder, pure and simple, and he always blames others for his problems. The Yankees are not the first team that he's had issues like this with either. He had problems in his short stay in San Diego, Taco Boy pointed out some of the problems that he had in Milwaukee, and the LA press was all over him during his stay with the Dodgers. By now, it's fairly obvious, no one wants anything to do with him off the baseball field.

Aside from the actual issues brought up ion the article though, if you quit saying things like:

Uh, I already disproved his 'point'. Lol @ u


FFS dudes - get it through your skull. When he said 'not black enough' he meant for that racist bigot you all defend, Joe Torre. He meant in Joe's eyes, Jeter was half-white and therefore better. He was referring to way he perceived Torre thought, through Torre's actions. He meant that TORRE DIDN'T COUNT JETER AS A BLACK therefore not treating Jeter the same as full-blooded black. Sheffield merely stated a 100% fact that Jeter is mixed. It is a fact. 100% true. Sheffield did not put Jeter down for his race. He merely was trying to be more specific in how that ***** of Yankee manager (who clearly is successful at making the most talented team in baseball mediocore) treated his underlings. I can not for the life of me believe that is that hard for you guys to decipher.

Yes, Sheffield is almost illiterate. He doesn't word his views in the most politically correct way. But reread the **** statements before you post again. Please.

You guys seriously need some education before you start posting in public sites. You need to learn how to comprehend what you have read, and put it in the correct context. All you guys have proven is you are unable to comprehend what you have read.


Well Robinhoodnik -The only thing questionable here is how you come up with interpretations of people's comments that are no where close to what they were intended to be, IMHO. Like I said before, learn to comprehend what you have read - Chef made no racist comments in this statement.


So all you hate-mongering liberals trying to play the race card can go back to your mothers basement and do whatever it is you do when you don't flame people in posts.

The above make this into a personal "us" vs. "you" thread. Without those sorts of comments attacking everyone else there wouldn't be any problems.

[DontTreadOnMe]

He was stating what he felt was going on in Torre's head. If he was correct, Torre is the racist. If he is wrong, then he's wrongfully acusing Torre. Doesn't get much more simple than that.

And I'm not really concerned about people who don't understand - well, much of anything.


No, when asked about Derrick Jeter who's heritage is African American, he said he doesnt count because he isnt "Black Enough".

Let Rush Limbaugh or Trent Lott make that sort of statement and see what happens.


Well, robinhoodnik called me a clown, and, after rereading the thread, noticed he also was the one that called me a racist bigot. So what are you going on about?


Ohm's law - people calling me a bigot and a clown isn't flaming? Way to be neutral on the issues, buddy.




I didnt know one person constituted PEOPLE.

I think I learned People is Plural for Person in grade school.

If you add to the truth, you subtract from it.
An exaggeration is a truth that has lost its temper.
Man is inclined to exaggerate almost everything - except his own mistakes.

Thats what Im going on about.

[slowrx7]

Wow Ohm's - Once again, you included Sheffield's actions outside of the interview. Please for the sake of continuity - keep on topic. I did not make excuses for Sheffield - I simply stated the truth. I couldn't care less about what Chef and Torre actually feel and think.

I am sorry you and your clique felt the need to feel I was defending Sheffield as a person. Do I believe Torre is a racist? Yes. Does it matter in this thread? No.

Personally, you taking sides and flinging mud is very distressing. I have made it abundantly clear to anyone with an IQ above room temperature that it was crystal clear the statements Sheffield made were not what Sheffield actually felt. Also note - the first attack was not made by me. So once again, way to pick sides.

And ohm's - notice that people actually did reread and admit Sheffield didn't make racist remarks and only you and 2 others now are unable to comprehend the truth?

And Don't tread on me - if had taken a little bit of time, you may have noticed I reread the thread and clarified it LATER . So many people were misguided that I had lost track of who said what. After the 'people' post I did state robinhoodick made both statements, both of which you quoted. So maybe, If i had posted them in reverse order your attack might make sense, but since they aren't - you don't make sense. Have a nice day

[ohms_law]

I have made it abundantly clear to anyone with an IQ above room temperature that it was crystal clear the statements Sheffield made were not what Sheffield actually felt.
Now, there you go again with the insults. No one but you has made statements such as the above about anyone else. I could say: who is "Chef"? The character on Southpark? Are we talking about the same person here?
(lol, sorry. The above is definitely tongue in cheek. The use of "Chef" instead of "Sheff" just bugs me for some reason...)

Point being, you can't call us all stupid, say that we're in a "clique" (which is generally a derogatory statement), and accuse me and others of "flaming and flinging mud" when we're replying to your insults. Honestly, I'm having some real misgivings right now about allowing you to remain as a part of our community.

More importantly though, you keep saying things such as "that's not what he meant to say". The one thing that you have yet to reply to is the question which several of us have put to you: How do you know? Do you know Sheff personally? Have you interviewed him yourself? Are you privy to some "super secret" interviews that the rest of us haven't seen? Apparently, just 2 other people and I are simply too slow to comprehend what you're saying. Please, enlighten us.

[slowrx7]

It is quite obvious in the context of the conversation that sheffield was referring to torre's treatment of blacks. Read the statements in the context of the situation. 'Sheff' was talking about torre, and not at that time stating his own opinions on race. Does that help at all?

[robinhoodnik]

Well, calling me a liberal was WAY over the line. I'd imagine that putting Ohms and myself in the same "clique" is probably irritating Ohms, so now you've really irritated two people. Care to try for three?

[slowrx7]

Heh, well you fit the mold. Anyway, liberal isn't in itself an insult. Tell you what - I'll apologize for that comment. But as far as the clique comment, you guys did band up together like a clique in high school. I call em as I sees em.

[robinhoodnik]

Page 33 of the new SI has an advertisement for HBO on July 17, @ 10:00 pm.
Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel has an interview with Sheff. Also AOL.COM is advertising that they will have a clip on the 16th.

[ohms_law]

Well, calling me a liberal was WAY over the line. I'd imagine that putting Ohms and myself in the same "clique" is probably irritating Ohms, so now you've really irritated two people. Care to try for three?

rotfl
:p


It is quite obvious in the context of the conversation that sheffield was referring to torre's treatment of blacks. Read the statements in the context of the situation. 'Sheff' was talking about torre, and not at that time stating his own opinions on race. Does that help at all?
I think that I'm fairly good at reading comprehension, especially after reading the same thing several times. However, I'm always willing to listen. What part of the conversation lends context to your opinion that Sheffield was referring only to Torre's treatment's of blacks? How does Sheffield stating twice, once directly to Jeter himself, that Derick Jeter doesn't count because he is not "all the way black", reflect on Torre being racist? Did Torre say that?

[robinhoodnik]

Heh, well you fit the mold...... I call em as I sees em.

Really? How so Popeye?

[ohms_law]

But as far as the clique comment, you guys did band up together like a clique in high school.
You insult our entire community here and us defending ourselves makes us a clique?
:confused:

[slowrx7]

It was Sheffield's view of what Torre thought. And robin - ohm's acted like a high schooler in a clique. 'nuff said.

[slowrx7]

I hardly consider 3 or 4 members 'all'. Maybe you do, but it doesn't seem to add up.

[robinhoodnik]

It was Sheffield's view of what Torre thought.

Oh, great. That kind of skill could land him a job at Marvel Comics when he's done with baseball. They don't have a mind reading, musclebound, mor0n series yet. :rolleyes:

[slowrx7]

I didn't say it was true - I said it was his view. And yeah, the joke was funny, but he basing it off of Torre's actions and not trying to read his mind. Heh

[ohms_law]

It was Sheffield's view of what Torre thought.
How do you figure that? Sheffield made the statements, not Torre. I have yet to see any statements made by Torre with anything even remotely resembling the phrase "ain't all black" when referring to Jeter.


I hardly consider 3 or 4 members 'all'. Maybe you do, but it doesn't seem to add up.
You're on a public forum here, not replying to a PM. when you say things such as "So all you" and "learn to comprehend what you have read" without any prefacing, you're speaking of the community.

[slowrx7]

No, I was referring to people who knew who they were. But thanks for telling me who I was speaking of. Of course, you could have meant that it would be assumed I was speaking of the whole community, but If you won't cut chef slack, why should I cut you any?

It doesn't matter if torre made any statements like that or not, that is really off point. All that matters is what sheffield was talking about, not if he's correct. Was the conversation about torre being a racist? Oh it was? Then it fit the conversation, while assuming sheffield was making a racist remark would that comment way out in left field.

[RickD]

Wow.....this went from people giving opinions on Sheff's statements.....which are ALL over the sports news with most agreeing that it was over the top...to personal shots. Now I don't warm up to being called ignorant and slow to comprehend.

To stay on topic......

Your personal opinion as you stated is that you agree Torre is a racist. OK fair enough....your opinion. Most here feel Sheff made the racial comments. That is our opinion and we are all entitled to that.

This article....since you have interpreted his thoughts for us slow learners....can also be interpreted the other way.

When I form an opinion I research not only the statement, but the context and I look at past history that could lead to such a statement. Now since he was himself talking about past history with the Yanks I think it is fair for others to go into the past and look at Sheffs history. That history shows he has done this before.

All this leads me to feel he is a disgruntled former employee who when canned for not living up to expectations has attacked his former employer. If a current Yankee came out in agreement on this topic I would gladly change my opinion. If one or 2 (Loften has now come out to back Sheff) former employees attack someone though it sounds like sour grapes! Bernie Williams played with Torre for 9 or 10 years. He may not be Sheff's standard of a full black but here was a man who has a right to be disgruntled and he hasn't come out to back Sheff.

[slowrx7]

Anyway, I am inclined to place ohms on ignore and stop responding to the thread. I can see why Yankees fans would be frustrated at their team's lack of success, but I really don't care to take the brunt of it. Think what you want - it really does not matter to me.

[robinhoodnik]

, but If you won't cut chef slack,

Sheff's been doing this for around 20 years now. He doesn't get any more slack.

[RickD]

No, I was referring to people who knew who they were. But thanks for telling me who I was speaking of. So you can defend what Sheff said Torre Thought but can't take it when someone else says what you think? :confused: And that is the way your arguments are now running. Your defense has become confusing as you seem to be steadily contradicting your own arguments.
It doesn't matter if torre made any statements like that or not, that is really off point. All that matters is what sheffield was talking about, not if he's correct. .:eek: So it doesn't matter if Torre made these statements....or if Sheff was correct? Just what he was talking about is important?

If Sheff is making incorrect statements based on something Torre may not have said and smears a man's name how can you defend that? Don't you think that's wrong?

[robinhoodnik]

Anyway, I am inclined to place ohms on ignore and stop responding to the thread. I can see why Yankees fans would be frustrated at their team's lack of success, but I really don't care to take the brunt of it. Think what you want - it really does not matter to me.

LMAO! Ignore Ohms? HA!
Didn't notice my avatar did you? NOT a Yankee fan.

[RickD]

I am a Yank's fan but I don't believe anyone is above reproach. If Torre made racist comments I would be the first to say give him the boot! However if Sheff is interpreting what Torre thinks...and I amazed Sheff can read minds....must be a steroid enhanced super-power, then we can all lump Sheff into the "here we go again file" and be done with it. He does have a history which I know slowxr7 wishes to ignore but you can't ignore documented truth. Undocumented truth which is Sheff's dream interpretation is what CAN be ignored!

[dps]

News flash, folks. Gary Sheffield isn't the most articulate person on the planet.

If you read the whole article and take his comments in context, they aren't racist IMO. Even the bit about Jeter not counting because he's not black enough--what he was saying was that Jeter doesn't count as an example of how Torre treats black players because Jeter is mixed-raced and Torre treats him as a white player. (Which I think in and of itself should be a pretty strong indication that Torre isn't a racist.)

I don't think that Sheffield is a racist either, but he does I think have a tendency to see racism when it's not there. Knowing that he has a history of doing so probably leads to some people seeing his comments in the worst possible light. I don't agree with slowxr7's view that we should ignore that history and evaluate his most recent comments independently of things that he's said in the past. I do seem to evaluate his history a bit different than a lot of people. Many people have come to the conclusion that Sheffield is a racist. I see him more as a typical dumb jock who has a bad case of foot-in-mouth disease.

[ohms_law]

I don't think that Sheffield is a racist either, but he does I think have a tendency to see racism when it's not there. Knowing that he has a history of doing so probably leads to some people seeing his comments in the worst possible light. I don't agree with slowxr7's view that we should ignore that history and evaluate his most recent comments independently of things that he's said in the past. I do seem to evaluate his history a bit different than a lot of people. Many people have come to the conclusion that Sheffield is a racist. I see him more as a typical dumb jock who has a bad case of foot-in-mouth disease.
I tend to agree. As much as I see from Sheff, I'm constantly surprised that he is really as ignorant as he seems to be. Honestly, I tend to think that there must be something physiologically wrong with him, and really it's sort of sad...


what he was saying was that Jeter doesn't count as an example of how Torre treats black players because Jeter is mixed-raced and Torre treats him as a white player.
That may be, but the fact is that Sheffield himself said it. It's obviously Sheff's view of what's occurring, and the really damning part of it is that no one will really back his statements. I'm less worried about his own views on race then his opinion of everyone else's views on race. Robin made a great point earlier:

So long as everyone keeps on pointing out our "differences", racism is going to survive. We're people, not colors, not religions, not some romanticised national heritage, we're simply people. :mad:
I'm not sure that he was referring directly to Sheff there, but it fits. The real problem is that "people" (meaning the sports casting media) keep giving the guy a microphone. I mean, it's one thing to have personal views on issues, it's a completely different story when that person is a sports star who receives a following of young and old fans, and the person spouts off derogatory statements about others. I can't completely blame the sports media, since we seem to suck that sort of reporting up. I can't completely blame Gary Sheffield either, since they keep sticking a mic in his face. We're all to blame here. Really, all of this stuff just makes me sad anymore. I can't seem to become angry or upset over it any longer.

[slowrx7]

I tend to agree with what dps posted. In fact his summary is exactly what I tried to express. I applaud him for stating it so eloquently. And of course color doesn't matter. No one on this board in this thread ever even implied it does matter. I don't even know why robin felt the need to make his statement, since it should be common sense.

[slowrx7]

And ohm's - nobody backed Chef up?

All I can say is, Sheffield knows what he's talking about," Lofton told The Associated Press when asked to respond to Sheffield's comments about Torre. "That's all I'm going to say."

Research more before you make blanket comments.

[ohms_law]

In the interests of full disclosure, here's this from USA today http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/mccarthy/2007-07-15-sheffield-tv_N.htm

By Michael McCarthy, USA TODAY
Gary Sheffield has sparked another media storm by charging New York Yankees manager Joe Torre treated African-American players more harshly than white teammates.

But even before his controversial interview with Andrea Kremer of HBO's Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel hits the airwaves Tuesday (10 p.m. ET), some TV analysts are saying it's irresponsible of Sheffield to insinuate Torre's a racist with no real proof to back it up.

The Detroit Tigers DH, who played in the Bronx from 2004-06, tells Kremer that Torre singled him out in team meetings, while criticizing white teammates in private.

"I'd see a lot of white players get called in the office and treated like a man. That's the difference," says Sheffield.

But when Kremer presses him whether he believes Torre's a racist, Sheffield says "no." When she points out Derek Jeter is the Yankees most prominent player, Sheffield responds the biracial Jeter is not "all the way black."

ESPN.com senior writer Buster Olney noted on his blog Saturday that Sheffield's comments don't add up. "You cannot on one hand indicate that Torre treats black players differently than white players, and on the other hand say that he is not a racist. That makes no sense, and it is irresponsible."

Torre benched Sheffield during Game 3 of the Yankees' playoff loss to the Tigers last season. From the start of his tenure in pinstripes, Sheffield thought Torre wanted Vladimir Guerrero rather than him. If Sheffield's real objective, however, is to sully the reputation of his former skipper, then his comments make a lot of sense. Sheffield's Torre-bashing was all over the airwaves this weekend after Newsday revealed them Friday. On Sunday, ESPN's SportsCenter reported Sheffield's former teammate Kenny Lofton "backed up" his allegations by saying Sheffield "knows what he's talking about."

Torre (whose contract is up this season) should be fair game like everybody else. And Kremer says Sheffield should get credit for speaking his mind during the three-hour interview that took place last month.

"We want our sports characters to talk to us and be honest and open," she says. "Then when they do, the media bashes them."

Sheffield likes stirring the pot and getting people to talk about issues, adds Kremer. "He thinks he says what other players think — but are afraid to say."

But if you don't know, don't blow.

As ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith said Sunday: "When you bring up race, regardless of who you may be, the reality is, you've got to substantiate it. You can't just throw out vague comments like that, such inflammatory and incendiary comments, and not back it up with some hard-core information."

Torre is held in high regard by many players and teammates, according to Olney, such as Jeter, Roger Clemens, Mariano Rivera, Bernie Williams and Bob Gibson.

But on his blog Olney says Sheffield's "sharp and viscous" words could follow Torre forever if he retires, or is fired, after 47 years in the big leagues.

Sheffield fancies himself a truth-teller exposing the hypocrisy of baseball. But as Kremer points out in her piece, he can be full of it himself. Torre's Yankees have helped two African-American players close to Sheffield with their off-the-field problems: his uncle Dwight Gooden and Gooden's close friend Darryl Strawberry.

Sheffield, one of the first players to rail about steroids use on Real Sports seven years ago, admits to using steroid cream on his legs and a liquid under his tongue while training with Barry Bonds after the 2001 season. Sheffield says he didn't know they were steroids because he didn't shoot them in his "butt."

When Kremer asks him how one guy could be the center of so much personal chaos, ranging from arrests to shootings, Sheffield replies: "Bad choice of women."

Does he take responsibility for anything?

"I picked them," he answers.

Torre has declined to address Sheffield's comments. But Torre might want to follow Chicago White Sox general manager Kenny Williams, who hit back hard in the media after Frank Thomas ripped his former team in a 2006 interview.

Labeling Thomas an "idiot," Williams said he was glad the team didn't have to coddle the selfish slugger any more. "We don't miss him. We don't miss his attitude. We don't miss the whining. Good riddance."

Sound familiar, Joe?

[ohms_law]

From the New York Daily News: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/2007/07/15/2007-07-15_lofton_sheff_is_right_on_joe-1.html

Lofton: Sheff is right on Joe

Sunday, July 15th 2007, 4:00 AM

ST. PETERSBURG - Gary Sheffield isn't the only player who feels Joe Torre treated black players differently than white players, as Sheffield's former teammate, Kenny Lofton, chimed in with his thoughts yesterday before his Rangers played in Anaheim.

Lofton, who played for Torre in 2004, concurred with Sheffield's assessment of the Yankee manager and his attitude toward African-American players.

"All I can say is, Sheffield knows what he's talking about," Lofton told The Associated Press when asked to respond to Sheffield's comments about Torre. "That's all I'm going to say."

Lofton's one-year tenure in pinstripes was a tumultuous one, as he was signed to a two-year deal by George Steinbrenner to hit leadoff and replace Bernie Williams in center field, only to have Torre declare the job an open competition in spring training.

During the team's season-opening trip to Japan that March, Lofton griped about being batting ninth in the opener despite the fact that he hit .174 with no steals during spring training. "He's the manager. He makes the lineup and that's it. I can't make that decision," Lofton said at the time. "I can't take that pen out of his hand. The pen is mightier than the sword."

Lofton hit .275 with three homers, 18 RBI and seven stolen bases in 83 games for the Yankees that season, batting leadoff in 41 of those contests. He was traded to the Phillies that December for reliever Felix Rodriguez.

Mark Feinsand

[slowrx7]

So concuring is the same as no one really backing up his statements? Sweet.

[ohms_law]

I tend to agree with what dps posted. In fact his summary is exactly what I tried to express. I applaud him for stating it so eloquently. And of course color doesn't matter. No one on this board in this thread ever even implied it does matter. I don't even know why robin felt the need to make his statement, since it should be common sense.

slowrx7, I humbly submit that you need to seriously work on how you express yourself. If you intended to convey what DPS stated above, you failed miserably.

What you did express instead is exactly the opposite of what you stated here. You personally accused Torre of being racist yourself, defended Sheffield's statements, and made it appear as though color does matter by making some of the comments which you did.

You may not see it, but you've directly insulted robin and at least 2 other people in this thread. So, while you may not see why he made the counter-comments that he did (which really shouldn't have been made... come on robin, you can't fight fire with fire) I can at least see why they were made. No one is going to respond politely to being called names.

And ohm's - nobody backed Chef up?

All I can say is, Sheffield knows what he's talking about," Lofton told The Associated Press when asked to respond to Sheffield's comments about Torre. "That's all I'm going to say."

Research more before you make blanket comments.
What makes you think that I haven't researched this? Lofton and Sheff have been friends (or at least aquantences) for years now. Kenny didn't say "Sheffield is correct, Torre treats blacks differently". He said exactly what you quoted above, and no one else has yet put any other comments on record. Even if he does end up completely backing every work that Sheffield said, that's 2 guys who are making comments about Torre's 12 seasons in New York and 26 years total managerial career. If this is real,, where is everyone else? Are "all blacks" being singled out, or were Sheffield and possibly Loften being singled out for specific purposes? Are we at a point now where managers cannot publicly make examples out of events and they must call people into the office for a private meeting now? Kenny isn't exactly speaking from a great position when talking about his experience with the Yankees anyway. He only managed to get 84 games, and 276 at bats in a distinctly sub-par performance with them in 2004 before being dumped on the Phillies for Felix Rodriguez.

[slowrx7]

Well, I already admitted I wasn't able to verablize what I was trying to say much earlier in thread. So your veiled insult doesn't really bother me.

You said no one was backing Sheffield up. You were wrong, or more to the point, withholding information. I am sure more people will come forward. Also, don't you find it weird so many people 'underperform' for Torre? I do. Maybe there is a reason for that.

And I guess I will give you a half-hearted thanks for the half-hearted chastisement of robin.

Anyway, bed is calling - all of you take care and be blessed.

[ohms_law]

Also, don't you find it weird so many people 'underperform' for Torre? I do.
They do? care to name examples?
Torre and the Yankees have won what, 4 Championships and lead the division every year for the last 9 years. How can that be if Joe Torre is to blame for players underperforming?

It's much more likely that many players (such as Lofton) simply wilt under the media pressure that New York subjects athletes to. The same thing happens to players on the Mets, Nicks, Nets, Devils, Islanders, Rangers, Giants, and Jets.


You said no one was backing Sheffield up. You were wrong, or more to the point, withholding information.
I wasn't wrong, and I wasn't withholding information. Lofton's statements are new, and it took a while for it to come out. Those of us who have been speaking here are far from the only ones speaking about this though, and several prominent publications are busily panning Sheffield for his comments. Additionally, as I said above, one friends statements backing up Sheffield's comments are hardly indicative of a real problem. Where is everyone else? Why is Sheffield, a failed Yankee, making these comments now? In 12 years time, no one else has been willing to speak about this? Where was Lofton earlier?

[HoustonGM]

Also, don't you find it weird so many people 'underperform' for Torre? I do. Maybe there is a reason for that.
Without evidence, I'm still fairly confidant in saying that if you somehow quantify "underperforming", and then look at all players that "underperform", I don't think any one manager will have a significant amount of players underperforming.

[slowrx7]

And how was 30 + hr's 120 rbi, earning him a silver slugger award, in his last full season a failure? The failure during his tenure was Torre getting outmanaged the last few postseasons.

[RickD]

Every team has "underperformers." I like the Yanks underperformers this year. Posada is having his best year EVER! Jeter's in his best form the last couple of years. A-Rod is on his normal pace, Wang is 10-4 as a pitcher, I wish they had more underperformers like that.

Second I mentioned Loften on this thread as soon as word broke and even beat Ohms tothe post with it. So 2 of us mentioned this in fairness.

Do I feel Sheff is racist? Not personally though he does make comments tinged with racial overtones. I think he is just a nut case who doesn't know when to shut up.

[slowrx7]

Yeah, well this thread is just turning into Ohm's making excuses for Torre, and trying to attack me. I'm going to spend today playing catch with my son. Take care, everyone.

[RickD]

In Loftons 1 year with the Yanks he had 3 HR, 18 RBI and a 275 Avg. in 83 games!

Sheffs first 2 Yanks years were good ones but the last year he played 39 games and unfortunately his replacements were on fire and he was out of a job. Sour grapes!

[robinhoodnik]

Do I feel Sheff is racist? Not personally though he does make comments tinged with racial overtones. I think he is just a nut case who doesn't know when to shut up.
At best I think he was raised around people who were racist and the foolish comments seem inoffensive to him. He's used to it and not quite able to realize that what he's saying can be taken as a racial slur or even as an insult. He's just not got a clue.