Damon ‘Didn’t Want to Leave Boston’

Just when the Johnny Damon headlines began to diminish in Boston, he thrusts himself right back into our lives. According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, Damon spoke to the media after taking batting practice yesterday about his decision to leave Boston and go to New York 4 years ago. Based on his comments, Damon must think Red Sox fans don’t remember him bashing the organization back in 2006.

"I know they all hate the Yankees up there and they were mad I signed with them, but at the same time, I did what I thought was right. And, really, it ultimately worked out for them because they were able to win another championship in ’07 and then I was able to win one with the Yankees last year. – Johnny Damon"

Damon went on to say, “With the Red Sox, I didn’t want to leave. But when it came down to it, I told the Red Sox what was out there, and $12 million more was tough to turn down.” Not so fast, slick. This a bullshit way of trying to get back in the good graces of Red Sox fans. If you really wanted to be in Boston, Johnny, then why did you bash the city and team after signing with New York?

"Moving to New York was the best decision I ever made. Now I’m in a place that actually wants me. – Johnny Damon in an interview early in 2006"

What Damon did on the field with Boston helped break the curse and win the World Series in 2004. His caveman persona made him a fan favorite, but that ended the second he started bashing the Red Sox. Playing for the Yankees was a business decision for Damon, and most in his shoes would have taken the extra money. I don’t have a problem with chasing the money, but I do have a problem with his not-so-subtle shots at the Red Sox organization.

I respect Damon for his contributions on the field with the Red Sox, but my respect for him ends there. Players get traded or sign with other teams daily and don’t find it necessary to insult their prior employer and then try to repair the relationship years later. The damage was done 4 years ago and his comments cannot be reversed by telling the media yesterday that it was tougher on him to leave Boston than it was to leave New York.

Good luck in Detroit, Damon. I look forward to hearing you put your foot in your mouth for years to come.