Mashup: Yankees accept Reggie's apology

Yankees special adviser Reggie Jackson, who was asked by the team to stay out of sight after his comments in a Sports Illustrated story disparaging a number of former and current major leaguers (including Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez and Red Sox Hall of Famer Jim Rice), is expected to return soon following an apology he released Thursday.

“In trying to convey my feelings about a few issues that I am passionate about, I made the mistake of naming some specific players," Jackson said in a statement. “This was inappropriate and unfair to those players, some of which are very close friends of mine. I think there are ways to speak from the heart without hurting people, and I’m disappointed that I didn’t take greater care in expressing my views.

“I have been proactively reaching out to make personal apologies to those within the Hall of Fame community that I offended, and to the Yankees organization for any disruption that I caused in the clubhouse. I continue to have a strong relationship with the club, and look forward to continuing in my role with the team. As always, I remain dedicated to the great game of baseball.”

Reports out of New York indicate the Yankees are pleased with the statement and will allow the Hall of Famer to return to the team next week during a road trip in Oakland, where Jackson has a home.

Read more about that story and others, plus check out videos, trivia and more, at Friday's Morning Mashup.