Jackson says remarks were a mistake

Reggie Jackson says he made a mistake by disparaging specific players in recent remarks.

The New York Yankees released a statement Thursday from Jackson. He is a special adviser with the Yankees and was told by the team to stay away from the locker room and club events for a while after his comments in a Sports Illustrated interview.

The Hall of Famer says his comments were ''inappropriate'' and ''unfair.'' Jackson told SI that some of Alex Rodriguez's statistics were tainted by his admitted use for performance-enhancing drugs.

Jackson also said he didn't see Gary Carter, Kirby Puckett and some others as Hall of Famers.

Jackson says he's been reaching out to make apologies to the players he offended and their families.