Incoming Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa pleaded guilty Monday to a misdemeanor charge of reckless driving stemming from an incident in February.
La Russa had been arrested in Arizona for driving under the influence, the second such time the three-time World Series champion has faced that charge. The plea agreement involves a one-day jail sentence via home confinement in addition to a monetary fine and community service.
The former Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals skipper issued a statement apologizing for his transgressions and promising to right the ship.
Chicago also issued a strongly-worded statement. The White Sox support La Russa's efforts to improve his behavior, but the statement also noted “There cannot be a third strike.”
White Sox statement on Tony La Russa: pic.twitter.com/vvx8c4FVba
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 21, 2020
Chicago's hiring of La Russa was controversial enough before revelations of a second DUI came to light.
The White Sox fired former skipper Rick Renteria after the team's exit from the Wild Card Round of the MLB playoffs. It was widely assumed Chicago would be in the market to hire either Alex Cora or A.J. Hinch. But instead, owner Jerry Reinsdorf's preference for a familiar face eventually won out.
Reinsdorf and La Russa had established a closeness over the years. La Russa had gotten his start with the White Sox, and the two have maintained a relationship ever since.
But there was (and still is) some skepticism as to how La Russa, by all accounts an “old school” manager, will be able to handle the young and budding stars on Chicago's roster. This latest DUI has hardly helped speak to La Russa's character.
Still, the White Sox will stand by La Russa, who will have to clean up his act to stay on as manager.
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