Yankees Draft Core Jackson Despite Past Antisemitic Incident

On August 20, 2025, the New York Yankees made headlines by selecting Core Jackson, a standout shortstop from the University of Utah, in the fifth round of the MLB Draft (164th overall). The decision sparked controversy due to a past antisemitic incident involving Jackson during his freshman year at the University of Nebraska.

The 2021 Incident

In 2021, Jackson admitted to drawing a swastika on a Jewish student’s dorm room door. He later told The Athletic that he was “blackout drunk” at the time, calling it a “really stupid mistake” that he deeply regrets.

Since then, Jackson has taken steps toward accountability, acknowledging the seriousness of the act and emphasizing that he has matured as both a person and a player.

Yankees’ Vetting Process

Yankees scouting director Damon Oppenheimer described the evaluation process as one of the most thorough in his 23 years with the organization. The team consulted Jewish leaders within the franchise, including team president Randy Levine, before finalizing the decision to draft Jackson.

According to Oppenheimer, the Yankees believed Jackson had shown genuine remorse and personal growth:

“We are not just drafting a good baseball player, but a good citizen,” Oppenheimer stated.

Efforts Toward Redemption

Jackson did not try to hide his past. Before the draft, he personally reached out to all 30 MLB teams, disclosing the incident and explaining the steps he had taken since.

Those steps included:

• Completing community service and substance abuse training.
• Serving penalties related to a 2024 impaired driving charge.
• Participating in a five-week Holocaust education program, designed by graduate student Ann Squicciarini, which included readings, videos, and weekly discussions.

This program was arranged with guidance from Elliot Steinmetz, the father of the first Orthodox Jewish player ever drafted in modern MLB history.

Looking Ahead

While the Yankees’ decision has sparked debate, the organization insists it reflects a balance between acknowledging past mistakes and recognizing sincere efforts toward growth and accountability.

For Jackson, the draft marks not only the beginning of his professional baseball career but also an opportunity to prove—on and off the field—that he has learned from his past and is committed to moving forward responsibly.