New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia announced on Monday, Oct. 5, that he is leaving the team to enter rehab for alcohol abuse. The news comes just one day before the American League Wild Card contenders are due to face off against the Houston Astros for a spot in the ALDS.
"Today I am checking myself into an alcohol rehabilitation center to receive the professional care and assistance needed to treat my disease," Sabathia, 35, said in a statement posted to the team's website on Monday afternoon.
"I love baseball and I love my teammates like brothers, and I am also fully aware that I am leaving at a time when we should all be coming together for one last push toward the World Series," he continued. "It hurts me deeply to do this now, but I owe it to myself and to my family to get myself right. I want to take control of my disease, and I want to be a better man, father, and player.
The veteran left-hander went on to thank the Yankees "for their encouragement and understanding," noting that the organization's support has allowed him to "move forward with this decision with a clear mind."
He also requested privacy for his family, but said he didn't want to "run and hide" from his problems, or from his responsibility to the fans.
"Being an adult means being accountable. Being a baseball player means that others look up to you," he shared. "I want my kids — and others who may have become fans of mine over the years — to know that I am not too big of a man to ask for help. I want to hold my head up high, have a full heart, and be the type of person again that I can be proud of. And that's exactly what I am going to do. I am looking forward to being out on the field with my team next season playing the game that brings me so much happiness."
Sabathia has been with the Yankees since 2009, the year they last won the World Series. He started 29 games for the team this season, and was expected to be part of the rotation if the Yankees advance to the ALDS.
