WHEN AARON BOONE BROKE HIS CONTRACT & MADE IT ALL ABOUT HIM

When discussing qualities like commitment, work ethic, responsibility, and integrity, Robert Casey, the chief of Bleeding Yankee Blue, stands out as a paragon to me. He gave me opportunity with what he said was the most important part of the gig at BYB, "Agree to do it, but when you do, work your tail off. I don't want you committing and ghosting." 

Casey exemplifies commitment, which makes his ongoing frustration with Aaron Boone all the more striking. To Casey, Boone represents the antithesis of these values—a man who failed in his responsibilities to the Yankees long before being inexplicably handed the role of manager. At the core of Casey's discontent lies Boone's infamous contract violation and subsequent injury—an incident that, in Casey’s eyes, set the tone for a career characterized by carelessness and unearned second chances. While this may seem unfair to many, I couldn't talk him about of it. It's how he feels, and so I wanted to write about it.

It was the incident that changed everything for him. Aaron Boone’s recklessness reached a pinnacle on January 16, 2004, when the then-Yankees third baseman decided to play a pickup basketball game in Newport Beach, California. In doing so, Boone blatantly violated a clause in his $5.75 million contract explicitly prohibiting activities like basketball. The consequence? A suspected ACL tear in his left knee, an injury severe enough to jeopardize his entire 2004 season. This single act of defiance forced the Yankees into a precarious situation with far-reaching ramifications.

Just three days later, Boone’s injury was examined by Anaheim Angels physician Dr. Lewis Yocum. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman soon confirmed that Boone’s actions constituted a breach of contract, stating: "Concerning his contract, I can confirm that there are certain prohibited activities, which include basketball."

Boone’s potential need for reconstructive surgery meant he wouldn’t be back until 2005, if at all. With no viable replacement for their starting third baseman, the Yankees were left scrambling. The MLB Players Association stepped in, prepared to contest any move by the Yankees to terminate Boone’s contract. Ultimately, the Yankees released Boone, paying just $942,000 in termination fees instead of the full $5.75 million and yes, it set them up to get Alex Rodriguez.

To Casey, this wasn’t merely an unfortunate injury—it was an act of betrayal. Boone’s reckless decision-making wasn’t just a violation of a contract; it was a violation of trust. For a professional athlete to knowingly disregard such a critical term of his agreement with the team was, in Casey’s view, irresponsible and disrespectful to the organization.

This moment cemented Boone’s reputation in Casey’s mind as someone who lacked the accountability required of a true leader. Yet, in 2018, Boone was welcomed back to the Yankees—not as a player, but as manager. For Casey, this decision was incomprehensible and an affront to the values that should define the Yankees organization.

"What was that conversation like between Boone's father, Bob, and Hal Steinbrenner?" Casey muses. "Was it all water under the bridge? Or were there promises made about Boone’s ability to lead the Yankees? That’s speculation—but it’s my speculation."

Casey’s critique of Boone goes beyond the specifics of a pickup basketball game. For Casey, this incident speaks to the larger question of Boone’s character and decision-making—qualities that are essential for anyone tasked with leading one of the most storied franchises in professional sports. Boone’s carelessness in 2004 didn’t just derail his playing career in pinstripes—it had repercussions for the entire team, even now. And for Casey, that failure to prioritize the Yankees is unforgivable.

Boone’s explanation of the incident years later only added fuel to Casey’s fire. Boone admitted:
"I actually worked out with my trainer, but I didn’t do my cardio that day. My brother-in-law was going to play a pickup basketball game that night..."

For Casey, these words encapsulate Boone’s lack of understanding of the gravity of his actions. It's not a joke. A professional athlete risking his career for a casual game of basketball? In Casey’s book, that’s not just foolish—it’s a blatant disregard for one’s obligations. To Casey, the fact that he Yankees’ decision to hire Boone as manager despite his history of carelessness sends the wrong message to the players he now leads and to the fanbase. Boone’s managerial tenure is not a redemption story; it’s a glaring example of misplaced loyalty.

"The Yankees needed a leader with the qualities of responsibility, work ethic, and integrity," Casey argues, "Boone in my mind doesn't have that. And so yes, you wonder why I ride this guy every day all these years later. He is not a leader because he never was one... and that’s precisely the problem."

Casey’s critique of Aaron Boone isn’t just about one man’s mistakes. It’s about what those mistakes represent and the standards to which leaders should be held. In Casey’s eyes, Boone’s actions have consistently fallen short of the mark, and the Yankees’ decision to put him in charge reflects a troubling lack of accountability. This conversation isn’t just personal for Casey—it’s about preserving the integrity of the Yankees organization and holding its leaders to the highest possible standard.

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor