Derek Jeter finds himself entangled in another public relations fiasco.
The family of Jose Fernandez, who was killed two years ago in a boating accident, says the Marlins are reneging on plans to memorialize the right-hander, per the New York Daily News. Apparently, Fernandez's old locker was supposed to remain as a shrine to him, much like how Thurmon Munson's locker at the old Yankee Stadium was left untouched following his death. The catcher died in a plane crash in 1979 while playing for the Yankees.
Fernandez crashed his boat into a Miami Beach jetty on Sept. 25, 2016, killing himself and two other passengers on board. A subsequent toxicology report and investigation found Fernandez was at fault for the accident. The star pitcher was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine when the crash occurred.
Jose's mother, Maritza Fernandez, told reporters recently the team asked her to pick up her son's belongings from the stadium. Plans to rename a street and park after Fernandez, and build a statue in his honor, are now in doubt as well.
The Marlins deny they've blindsided the Fernandez family. "We have remained in constant contact with Jose's family and wanted to provide an appropriate lasting memorial to Jose," the team said in a statement. "We discussed all of these plans with his family."
Ralph Fernandez, who's representing the family, says investigators framed Jose Fernandez. The attorney is helping the family fight a lawsuit that blames the death of the two other passengers on Gernandez.
Ever since taking over as Marlins CEO last year, Jeter has been embroiled in a number of controversies –– including trading off almost every talented player from the team. Last week, the organization claimed its corporate citizenship is actually based in the British Virgin Islands, in an attempt to avoid reimbursing the taxpayers of Miami-Dade County for previous owner Jeffrey Loria's fraudulent stadium deal.
While those actions are indefensible, Jeter may have a point when it comes to holding off on the Fernandez tributes, given the revelations surrounding his death. But Jeter may have already worn out all of his goodwill with the few Marlins fans remaining.
