In July 2024, the New York Yankees made headlines when they drafted Core Jackson, a shortstop from the University of Utah, in the fifth round. However, the decision was not without controversy, as the team was aware of Jackson's past, specifically an incident in 2021 when he drew a swastika on a Jewish student's dorm room door while he was a freshman at the University of Nebraska.
Before the draft, Jackson proactively reached out to various MLB teams to disclose his past actions. In a candid interview with The Athletic, he described the night of the incident, stating that he was “blackout drunk” and had no recollection of drawing the swastika. Reflecting on his actions, Jackson acknowledged that he had made a “really stupid mistake” and emphasized that he has since learned and grown, asserting, “I am no longer the person I was when it all happened.”
The University of Nebraska opted not to provide detailed comments regarding the incident, and their police department did not respond to multiple inquiries. In light of Jackson's past, Yankees amateur scouting director Damon Oppenheimer stated that the team conducted an extensive “due diligence” investigation, engaging in discussions with Jackson and his close contacts. This included conversations with high-ranking Jewish members of the organization, such as team president Randy Levine, who supported the decision to draft Jackson.
Oppenheimer noted that Jackson's past, particularly the swastika incident, likely influenced his draft status, contributing to him going undrafted in 2023. During that year, he transferred to a junior college and later played for the University of Utah, where he excelled in the 2024 season, hitting .363 with four home runs and 41 RBIs.
In addition to the swastika incident, Jackson faced legal troubles in September 2024 when he was charged with driving under the influence on the University of Utah campus. His agent, Blake Corosky, confirmed that the charge was later reduced to a misdemeanor for impaired driving, and Jackson completed community service, substance abuse training, and paid fines. He expressed a commitment to sobriety, stating he hasn't consumed alcohol since.
Jackson's journey towards understanding the impact of his actions included conversations with members of the Jewish community. After disclosing his past to a Boston Red Sox scout, he faced scrutiny but also opportunities for education. Elliot Steinmetz, the head men’s basketball coach at Yeshiva University, was informed about Jackson’s situation and chose to engage him in a constructive dialogue about antisemitism.
As part of his commitment to personal growth, Jackson participated in a five-week course designed to educate him about the implications of his actions, guided by Ann Squicciarini, a graduate student at Yeshiva University. This educational endeavor aimed to provide Jackson with a deeper understanding of the historical significance of the swastika and its association with hate.
After thorough discussions and evaluations, the Yankees decided to draft Jackson at No. 164 overall, signing him to a $147,500 bonus. Oppenheimer expressed confidence in Jackson's potential, emphasizing that the team views him as a “good citizen, a good person, and a good baseball player.” Following the draft, Jackson expressed gratitude to those who supported him, vowing to work hard and prove his commitment to change.
Core Jackson's journey from a regrettable incident to being drafted by the New York Yankees reflects a complex narrative of personal accountability, education, and growth. As he embarks on his professional baseball career, Jackson acknowledges the weight of his past actions while emphasizing his transformation and desire to be a positive influence moving forward. He stated, “I would ask for their forgiveness and let them know I’m not the same person I was when that happened.”
