When the New York Yankees selected University of Utah shortstop Core Jackson in the fifth round of the 2024 MLB Draft, they knew they were not only adding a talented athlete to their farm system but also stepping directly into a story marked by past mistakes, public scrutiny, and personal redemption. Jackson’s path to the Yankees was anything but straightforward, shaped by an incident in his freshman year of college that nearly derailed his career before it even began.

Back in 2021, when Jackson was a 17-year-old freshman at the University of Nebraska, he was accused of drawing a swastika on the dorm room door of a Jewish student. The act shocked the community and left a stain on Jackson’s reputation. Although he was intoxicated at the time and later said he had no recollection of what he had done, the impact of the incident was severe and long-lasting. The swastika, an infamous symbol of hate, carries profound meaning for Jewish communities around the world, and Jackson’s actions raised questions about judgment, awareness, and accountability.

Owning His Past Before the Draft

Unlike many players trying to conceal mistakes, Jackson made the decision to be upfront with teams before the 2024 draft. He personally reached out to organizations to explain the incident and accept responsibility. In an interview with The Athletic, he described himself as being “blackout drunk” that night but acknowledged that being intoxicated did not excuse his behavior. “It was a really stupid mistake,” Jackson said. “I’ve grown since then, and I’m not the person I was when it all happened.”

The University of Nebraska declined to provide details about the case, and campus police offered no public comment. However, Jackson noted that he was fined, assigned community service, and required to undergo online sensitivity training. He was not arrested, and he continued playing baseball the following spring.

The Yankees’ Due Diligence

For Yankees scouting director Damon Oppenheimer, drafting Jackson required more research and internal discussion than almost any other prospect in his 23 years with the organization. The decision was reviewed by owner Hal Steinbrenner, team president Randy Levine, and several high-ranking Jewish members of the Yankees’ leadership group. The team conducted numerous interviews with Jackson, his agent, and others close to him before deciding he deserved a chance.

Oppenheimer emphasized that the Yankees sought to understand Jackson’s growth as a person. “He’s shown accountability,” Oppenheimer said. “His actions have demonstrated remorse, and he has taken the right steps to learn and understand what he did.”

Still, the Yankees admitted they did not speak directly with anyone from Nebraska about the original incident, focusing instead on Jackson’s recent behavior, education, and willingness to confront his past.

Additional Setbacks and Signs of Change

Jackson’s journey was complicated further when he was charged with driving under the influence on Utah’s campus in September 2024. The charge was later reduced to impaired driving, and according to his agent, Jackson completed community service, substance abuse training, and fines. Since then, Jackson has said he has avoided alcohol entirely.

Despite his struggles, his on-field performance remained strong. After leaving Nebraska, he transferred to South Mountain Community College, where he excelled with a .321 batting average. Later, at the University of Utah, he blossomed as a junior, hitting .363 with four home runs and 41 RBIs, which drew the attention of MLB scouts once again. His speed, arm strength, and athleticism suggested the potential of a higher-round draft pick, but his history clearly weighed on his draft stock.

The Yankees eventually selected him with the 164th overall pick, signing him for $147,500 — well below the slot value of over $400,000.

Education and Awareness as a Path to Redemption

A turning point in Jackson’s story came when his agent, Blake Corosky, connected him with Elliot Steinmetz, the head basketball coach at Yeshiva University and the father of Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Jacob Steinmetz, the first practicing Orthodox Jewish player ever drafted.

Initially outraged by the swastika incident, Steinmetz agreed to speak with Jackson and quickly realized the young athlete lacked a deep understanding of antisemitism and Jewish history. “Right away, you could tell he was a nice kid,” Steinmetz said, “but he was clueless when it came to these kinds of issues.”

To address this, Steinmetz introduced Jackson to Holocaust education specialists. Jackson began a five-week program designed by graduate student Ann Squicciarini, which included readings, video lessons, and weekly discussions. Reports indicated that Jackson was attentive and engaged throughout the process, demonstrating a willingness to learn rather than simply checking a box.

This educational journey was crucial, according to Ari Kohen, director of the Harris Center for Judaic Studies at Nebraska. “It’s absolutely essential to teach young people about antisemitism and bigotry,” Kohen said. “If we focus only on punishment, we miss an opportunity to educate and change perspectives.”

How the Baseball World Reacted

Around Major League Baseball, reactions to Jackson’s honesty varied. Some scouts praised his willingness to disclose the incident, while others were wary. Corosky even considered dropping him as a client but ultimately decided to continue, under the condition that Jackson personally call representatives from all 30 MLB teams to tell them what happened and how he was working to make amends.

The Yankees weren’t the only team to investigate the situation. Other organizations, including the Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays, San Diego Padres, and Detroit Tigers, also evaluated Jackson closely. In the end, the Yankees felt comfortable moving forward, believing Jackson’s efforts to learn and grow outweighed his mistakes.

Jackson’s Perspective Today

Now 21, Jackson says he views his past as a reminder of how much he has changed. “It’s part of my story,” he said. “I have this platform now, and I want to share how forgiveness and accountability shaped me.”

Since being drafted, Jackson has expressed gratitude to those who supported him, especially Steinmetz, who played a central role in his education process. After hearing his name called on draft day, Jackson immediately phoned Steinmetz to thank him for “not giving up” on him.

The Yankees have already promoted Jackson to their High-A affiliate, the Hudson Valley Renegades, a sign that the organization sees potential in him not just as a player but as someone capable of handling adversity.

A Larger Conversation Beyond Baseball

Jackson’s story is more than just about one player’s redemption arc. It reflects broader debates about how society should handle young people who commit acts of hate or ignorance. Some argue that punishment alone is not enough, while others stress the importance of education and transformation.

For the Yankees, the decision to draft Jackson was not just about talent, but also about taking a chance on someone who confronted his mistakes and took deliberate steps to grow. In a city with over 1.4 million Jewish residents, the largest Jewish community outside of Israel, the move inevitably sparked strong opinions. Yet, for Oppenheimer and the Yankees, Jackson represents someone who faced consequences, pursued education, and earned a second chance.

Moving Forward

Jackson acknowledges that skepticism will follow him. “I understand people might still be angry about my past,” he said. “All I can do is show them I’ve changed. I’ve learned, I’ve grown, and I’ve done the work.”

For now, the Yankees are betting that Core Jackson’s story will evolve from controversy into one of perseverance, accountability, and redemption — both on and off the field. His career will be closely watched, not only for what he does between the baselines, but also for how he continues to prove that a single terrible decision does not have to define a lifetime.