Adam LaRoche retired over White Sox's request to limit son in clubhouse

— -- Chicago White Sox slugger Adam LaRoche walked away from a contract that would have paid him $13 million this season because team president Ken Williams told LaRoche that he had to limit the time his 14-year-old son, Drake, spent with the team, Fox Sports first reported.

LaRoche, 36, announced his retirement Tuesday, hinting at the reason behind his decision with the hashtag #familyfirst in a tweet posted that day.

When news of the reason became public, Williams addressed the issue with reporters Wednesday and said that kids are still permitted in the White Sox clubhouse but not every day, saying no job would allow that.

Williams said the White Sox have always encouraged players' kids being in the clubhouse and on the field. But he said he thought Drake LaRoche was there too much.

Williams said he first talked to LaRoche about cutting back on his son's time in the clubhouse a week ago, then again Sunday.

"There has been no policy change with regards to allowance of kids in the clubhouse, on the field, the back fields during spring training," Williams told Fox Sports. "This young man that we're talking about, Drake -- everyone loves this young man. In no way do I want this to be about him.

"I asked Adam, said, 'Listen, our focus, our interest, our desire this year is to make sure we give ourselves every opportunity to focus on a daily basis on getting better. All I'm asking you to do with regard to bringing your kid to the ballpark is dial it back.'

"I don't think he should be here 100 percent of the time. And he has been here 100 percent, every day, in the clubhouse. I said that I don't even think he should be here 50 percent of the time. Figure it out, somewhere in between.

"We all think his kid is a great young man. I just felt it should not be every day, that's all. You tell me, where in this country can you bring your child to work every day?"

LaRoche, a first baseman-turned-designated hitter, signed a two-year deal for $25 million with the White Sox a year ago. But he struggled in 2015, batting just .207 with 12 homers. He hadn't played since early this month because of back spasms.

In a 2013 story in The Washington Post, LaRoche talked about having Drake with him all the time.

"It's like having your son and your best friend alongside you all day long, at work, which never gets to happen," LaRoche said. "I don't know many jobs where you can bring your kid and not have to put him in daycare somewhere. It's been awesome."

A Chicago Tribune story last season on Drake called him the team's 26th man.

Adam LaRoche's father, Dave, pitched in the majors until LaRoche was 4 years old and then was a coach. LaRoche's brother, Andy, also played in the majors.

Former  Nationals teammate  Bryce Harper backed Adam LaRoche's decision on Twitter on Wednesday, echoing the slugger's #familyfirst hashtag.

Retired third baseman Chipper Jones, who played with LaRoche on the Atlanta Braves, also offered his support.

Kyle Long, an offensive tackle for the neighboring Chicago Bears, invited LaRoche and his son to come hang out with the team. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.