After A Career of Saying Nothing Derek Jeter Suddenly Decides It's Time For Athletes To Be More Candid

Theplayerstribune – Since announcing my decision to retire, the past eight months have been a whirlwind. It’s been Overwhelming to go through something so familiar but have it feel so strange, yet moving and humbling. I realize I’ve been guarded. I learned early on in New York, the toughest media environment in sports, that just because a reporter asks you a question doesn’t mean you have to answer. I attribute much of my success in New York to my ability to understand and avoid unnecessary distractions.

I do think fans deserve more than “no comments” or “I don’t knows.” Those simple answers have always stemmed from a genuine concern that any statement, any opinion or detail, might be distorted. I have a unique perspective. Many of you saw me after that final home game, when the enormity of the moment hit me. I’m not a robot. Neither are the other athletes who at times might seem unapproachable. We all have emotions. We just need to be sure our thoughts will come across the way we intend.

So I’m in the process of building a place where athletes have the tools they need to share what they really think and feel. We want to have a way to connect directly with our fans, with no filter.

I am working with other athletes, with editors and with producers to create a platform that gives us a chance to say what’s on our minds. It’s called The Players’ Tribune. Over the next few months, we’ll be introducing a strong core of athlete editors and contributors who will shape the site into an online community filled with first-person stories and behind-the-scenes content.

Ain’t this some hypocritical bullshit. Like hi I’m Derek Jeter and even though I never said one interesting thing in my entire career now that it’s over I’m gonna suddenly be super open and encourage other players to do the same. What a joke. What a fucking joke. And spare me the sob story about how there was no spot for players to communicate without getting their words twisted. Ever heard of Twitter? Ever heard of facebook? It’s easier than ever for athletes real personalities to come through. Don’t act like you’re some savior. You’re not a savior. Don’t get me wrong I love guys who are open and honest, but we just don’t need Derek Jeter who was the most guarded guy of all time waiting till the moment he retired to suddenly lead the charge. Just typical fake ass Derek Jeter doing fake ass shit.