Torre cites lack of class in sports, society

TAMPA, Fla. – Yankees manager Joe Torre laments the disappearance of class, and not just in baseball.

“I think as a whole there’s a lack of respect, and it’s unfortunate,” he said Sunday. “I know I speak for my generation or part of my generation. It’s just reality, unfortunately. I think part of the reality is the reality shows on TV.”

Torre has not criticized the Boston Red Sox for their repeated sniping at Alex Rodriguez. He says the Red Sox probably are being asked more questions this year because they are coming off their first World Series title since 1918.

“It’s against the grain for me, but, again, I like to look at other people’s perspective, too, and understand everybody is entitled to feel the way they do,” he said. “I get turned off by a lot of the antics on the parts of wide receivers and stuff. I’d like to believe that when we win as a team, and not only us, you understand how tough it is to win and you respect the other team.”