Yankees support Core Jackson draft despite past swastika vandalism incident
The New York Yankees drafted Core Jackson, a University of Utah shortstop, in the fifth round of the MLB draft after a thorough background check. Jackson, who was 17 in 2021, drew a swastika on a Jewish student's dorm door while blackout drunk and had no memory of the incident. He was fined, assigned community service, and required sensitivity training but not suspended. Jackson signed for $147,500, well below the slot value. He has reported to High-A Hudson Valley. His agent initially considered dropping him but agreed to disclose the incident to all MLB teams and work with an Orthodox Jewish player. Jackson admitted he knew little about Judaism and the historical significance of the swastika. He also faced a DUI charge in 2024, which was reduced to misdemeanor after completing community service. Jackson's college career included a .363 batting average with four home runs and 41 RBIs in 2024. The Yankees' decision, approved by owner Hal Steinbrenner and supported by Jewish officials, remains polarizing in New York, home to the world's largest Jewish community outside Israel.