PHOENIX -- Chicago White Sox first baseman Adam LaRoche said he planned to retire and walk away from a $13 million salary after being told by the team president to cut down the time his son spent in the clubhouse.
Team president Kenny Williams confirmed Wednesday that he twice asked LaRoche in the last week to "dial it back" with 14-year-old son Drake.
LaRoche abruptly said Tuesday at spring training that he planned to leave the game. White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said at the time it was a "personal decision" and that LaRoche was asked to reconsider.
Williams said LaRoche's son was a "quality young kid" and wasn't a distraction. But Williams indicated he didn't want anything to deter the team's focus.
The 36-year-old LaRoche hit only .207 with 12 home runs last year.
