Core Jackson’s dark past was no secret to Yankees when they drafted him

When the New York Yankees selected University of Utah shortstop Core Jackson in the fifth round of the 2025 MLB Draft, they did so with full awareness of a troubling incident from his past.

In 2021, as a 17-year-old freshman at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Jackson drew a swastika on the door of a Jewish student’s dorm room while in a blackout state of intoxication. The student’s identity has never been made public, but the impact of the act, even if unintended, was undeniably severe.

Jackson, now 21, has publicly acknowledged the harm caused by his actions, calling it one of the darkest moments of his life. The day after the incident, he said he “broke down in tears” upon realizing what he had done.

While he was never arrested or charged, he was subjected to university sanctions, including community service, basic sensitivity training, and a fine. Despite this, he played for Nebraska that spring, although he later described feeling like he was in “a dark place” during that time.

Following the season, Jackson transferred to South Mountain Community College in Arizona, where his performance dramatically improved. The following year, he moved to Utah, where he hit .363 and gained attention from professional scouts.

But as the 2024 MLB Draft approached, Jackson made a difficult decision: he voluntarily disclosed the swastika incident to teams, starting with the Boston Red Sox. The revelation ultimately contributed to him going undrafted that year.

A journey of redemption

Jackson’s honesty triggered a chain of conversations and ultimately a personal transformation. His agent, Blake Corosky, considered dropping him, but reconsidered after connecting him with Elliot Steinmetz, head basketball coach at Yeshiva University.

Steinmetz arranged for Jackson to undergo a five-week educational program on Jewish history and the Holocaust, led by a graduate student. Jackson completed the program and followed Corosky’s recommendation to inform all 30 MLB teams about the 2021 incident.

The Yankees launched what scouting director Damon Oppenheimer called “the deepest background check” of his career. The process included conversations with Jackson, coaches, and Jewish members of the Yankees organization, including team president Randy Levine.

Despite initial hesitation, the Yankees ultimately selected Jackson with the 164th overall pick and signed him for $147,500, well below the slot value.

Jackson has also faced and addressed a more recent DUI charge, which was reduced to a misdemeanor. Since then, he’s completed substance abuse training and has remained sober.

Now with the Yankees’ High-A affiliate, Jackson says he’s committed to using his platform to share his journey and continue learning. “I’ve grown up,” he said. “I’ve reconciled. I’ve learned. And I won’t let people down.”