Officially Sanctioned Prejudice
From an ESPN dispatch on the trade of Esteban Loaiza from the White Sox to the Yankees:
"Loaiza arrived in New York on a rainy Sunday morning, carrying a White Sox bag and sporting the goatee he had for his entire 9ВЅ-year career that included stops in Pittsburgh, Texas and Toronto. Loaiza was given Contreras' old locker. He'll wear No. 28.
A Yankees clubhouse attendant unpacked some of Loaiza's belongings -- he left the White Sox cap in the bag -- and offered him some Yankees workout clothing. The AL Cy Young runner-up last year after going 21-9 with a 2.90 ERA, he then went to meet his new manager.
When he was officially introduced to the New York media, Loaiza was clean shaven -- he cut his upper lip.
"Joe Torre told me. I knew I had to do it, I have to follow the rules and do what the manager tells me," Loaiza said.
Can a player refuse a trade because he doesn't want to cut his beard? I'm not a Yankees-hater, but this irks me. I once quit a job because I wouldn't shave my beard. I was interviewed twice wearing a beard and hired. During my first day I was given the company policy manual to read. I took it back the next morning and asked if I had an old copy. One of the first rules was that male employees could not have facial hair. (Evidently female employees could sport a Van Dyke.)
(Check out my picture. My beard was even darker then.)
The manager, who had been in both interviews, looked at me and said, "You have a beard."
I refrained from comment. I practice a policy of not questioning my manager's eyesight or sanity during my first week on the job.
She asked, "You don't mind shaving do you?"
My eyes might have hinted at "You're insane", but my tongue answered, "I won't shave for what you're paying me."
"Uh, well, we'd really like to keep you here. I'll ask District."
Of course, District called down to ask if I couldn't just shave. After hearing the negative they passed it up to Region, who sat on it for a few days before they called to inquire if I'd shave my beard.
By now I had worked for over a week and the company had not crumbled before my mighty beard. I told them I wouldn't shave. They passed the problem up to Corporate.
At this point my manager was looking over her shoulder every time I'd walk past. She was worried someone would report a strange man with beard on premises.
By the time Corporate called I had cashed my second paycheck. I was receiving comments from staff and clients that my work exceeded expectations.
However, Corporate has consulted Ownership who restated that the company could not survive if I had a beard. If I wanted to maintain my individuality I could pierce my tongue, but the beard must go.
So I resigned and the next day found my current position.
