Chris Sale: White Sox GM Kenny Williams 'Created A Problem' With Adam LaRoche

The Chicago White Sox have taken a lot of heat for how their front office apparently told Adam LaRoche to stop bringing his son to games quite as often. But now, the team, specifically executive vice president Kenny Williams, is fielding criticism from one of the last places he would like: his team's ace starting pitcher.

Chris Sale has emerged as the White Sox's loudest critic of Williams' request that LaRoched "dial it back" with bringing his son Drake to ballgames. Sale also does not seem to be alone, as multiple other players indicated that no one in the clubhouse minded having Drake LaRoche around.

Outfielder Adam Eaton, the team's MLB Players Association representative, said that LaRoche had a clause in his contract to "allow" his son in the clubhouse. Third baseman Todd Frazier, an offseason addition, indicated that he noticed none of his teammates taking issue with Drake being around so often.

Sale was clear on who he believes drummed up the tension between LaRoche and the team. The lefty said that Williams contradicted himself in explaining his reasoning with players, coaches and even chairman Jerry Reinsdorf.

"We had a team coming together of new guys, getting acquainted. No hiccups, nothing. We were a steam engine going full steam ahead, and it kind of derailed it," Sale said. "There was no problem in here with anyone, and he created a problem.

"This isn't us rebelling against rules. This is us rebelling against BS... When it comes to what happens in the clubhouse, the right person has to handle that, and that's [manager] Robin [Ventura]."

Sale even reportedly yelled and swore at Williams in a private meeting, though that has not been confirmed. Officially, Eaton has indicated that he and his teammates have taken the issue to the Players Association and have also requested a meeting with Reinsdorf, which appears to be happening sometime soon.

LaRoche did not initially give a reason for his sudden decision to retire, but the veteran first baseman did say that his teammates asked him to reconsider. He was leaving $13 million on the table for the final season of his contract, and the White Sox seemed set up to make a postseason run. As Sale argued, the revelation that upper management wanted to see Drake LaRoche less often seemed to throw off the team's positive outlook.

The 36-year-old designated hitter released a statement Friday confirming the speculation that his retirement was tied to him being asked to bring his son to work less.

"The White Sox organization is full of people with strong values and solid character," LaRoche said. "My decision to walk away was simply the result of a fundamental disagreement between myself and Ken Williams.

"I understand that many people will not understand my decision. I respect that, and all I ask is for that same level of respect in return."

Sale said that he does not plan to sit out as protest, but he felt responsible as a leader on the team to speak out. He and Eaton have also been outspoken about their support for the LaRoche family.

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Adam laroche, Chicago White Sox