There is a captain in the corner of Casey Close.
Derek Jeter issued a statement on Thursday in support ofDodgers star Freddie Freeman's former agent, focusing on "above all" honesty and transparency. Called "trusted advisors and friends."
"I've known Casey since I was 18"Jeter started on Twitter. "For the past 30 years we have shared disagreements, but to this day he remains a trusted adviser and friend. He is moral, honest, and above all honesty and transparency. A cherished person. "
Jeter's statement follows a series of annoying events that took place publicly last week. A few days after Freeman's emotional return to Atlanta— he spent the first 12 years of his career — ESPNon Tuesday, first basemanHe reportedly dismissed his representative afterand reportedly told a friend that he was "angry" about how the Free Agency negotiations took place.
Freeman, 6-year $ 162 million contract Signed in March The Dodgerswas represented by Excel Sports Management, with Close acting as chief negotiator.
"Last weekend in Atlanta was a very moving time for me and my family,"Freeman said in a statement on Tuesday. "I've been working on some issues with agents in Excel for many years. My representation remains in flux and I'll update it as needed."
Late Week , Fox Sports radio host Doug Gottlieb tweetedwhy Freeman fired Close.
"Casey Close never tells Freddie Freeman about the Braves final offer I didn't talk. Why Freeman fired him, "Gottlieb wrote on Wednesday. "He learned in Atlanta this weekend. It's not uncommon to happen in MLB, but it happened – I knew closely that Freddie would sign an ATL contract."
Close quickly refuted Gottlieb's allegations, andswiftly deniedrumors in his own statement.
"There is no truth to Doug Gottlieb's reckless tweet. I testify under an oath," Crows said. "We are currently evaluating all legal options on this issue."
Excel Sports Management released its own statementon Wednesday and Thursday {63. } Followed by sending a longer message on behalf of the close.
"I won't wait because the situation surrounding Freddie Freeman's departure from Atlanta is mischaracterized," Braves said. Read the statement accusing you of "promoting." To be clear, that's a mistake.
Freeman said in Marchthat it was the trading deadline that he received only one formal offer from the Braves. He eventually landed in the Dodgers after the Braves exchanged for an eight-year $ 168 million extension to Atlanta's first baseman Matt Olson in athletics.
Last month, MLB.com'sMark Bowman signed Close signed with Alex Anthopoulos, president of the Braves baseball division, in March to "two demands far beyond Freeman's expectations. I gave it to him. " The Braves took an hour to respond.
Reportedly Freeman's ultimatum to the Braves I considered it a notification. The representative allegedly claimed that it had nothing in that regard. In the wake of Olson's trade,Freeman said the move made him"blind."
In the first season with the Dodgers, Freeman hit .304 with 9 home runs and 46 RBIs.