David Robertson’s final act with the New York Yankees was to take money out of other people’s pockets before skipping town.
David Robertson was one of the lovable veterans on the New York Yankees this year and fans are understandably upset to see him sign with the Philadelphia Phillies. He wears his pants high to showcase his navy blue socks and he prances off the field after wriggling his way out of an uncertain jam. What’s not to like?
Well, if you’re a coach or member of the support staff, a lot. George A. King III of the New York Post reported back in November that Robertson chaired a meeting that took away playoff shares from a number of coaches and support staff that traveled with the Yankees all season long.
Playoff shares are the bonuses given to players, coaches, and support staff for reaching certain milestones in the playoffs. The players can ultimately vote to take money out of the pockets of certain support staff. It’s rare that it happens, but as evidenced by the 2018 Yankees, that’s exactly what happened.
On his way out, Robertson had the opportunity to make amends for his role in taking away tens of thousands of dollars from people who aren’t paid millions of dollars each year. But rather than own up to his mistake, Robertson skirted the blame.
“I did speak with [general manager] Brian Cashman this offseason, but there were other options out there, and the Phillies were where I wanted to end up,” Robertson said on a conference call per Mike Puma of the New York Post. “As far as the playoff share thing goes, I am not really going to discuss it. That was something between the entire team, the New York Yankees. They are a great organization, and I just would rather not discuss that.”
Enjoy Philly! Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
