Jones addresses comments on social issues

BOSTON — Adam Jones said on Monday afternoon that he stands by remarks he made in a USA Today story published earlier in the day, though he acknowledged that one particular phrase might have diverted attention from his broader point.

In the story, Jones addressed protests in the National Football League started by quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who is not standing during the national anthem. Jones said he believes similar protests have not happened in baseball because of the impact it might have on a player’s job security. He also defended the right of Kaepernick and others to protest in that manner, and said that an athlete who speaks out on social issues should not be ridiculed for it. But it was Jones’ comment that baseball is “a white man’s sport” that seemed to garner the most attention.

Jones, who reiterated on Monday that he is from a military family and will continue to stand for the national anthem, said he wanted to use his position to spark a conversation about the inequality Kaepernick is addressing.

“I think the headline might have grabbed the wrong attention early, but I think I elaborated and [said] what I believe to be is what I’ve seen,” said Jones, who grew up in San Diego.

• Justice: Jones takes stand with remarks

“I’ve gotten a …

continue reading in source mlb.mlb.com