White Sox don't allow Ken Williams to interview with Blue Jays

The Chicago White Sox denied executive vice president Ken Williams permission to interview for a job as the president and chief executive officer of the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Chicago White Sox denied executive vice president Ken Williams permission to interview for a job as the president and chief executive officer of the Toronto Blue Jays, Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribunereports.

On Sunday morning, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported that the White Sox were "balking" at giving Williams permission to interview for the position. Rosenthal also reported that Williams was "considering resigning." Later, Williams confirmed to Kane that the report was true.

From the Chicago Tribune:

Williams said by email Sunday morning that he was not granted permission for an interview and that the issue was "not new," suggesting reports of the interest were belated.

"That ship has sailed," he said.

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The Blue Jays are seeking a replacement for the team's president and chief executive officer, Paul Beeston. ESPN's Buster Olney reports that "the Blue Jays' ownership was not pleased with some of Beeston's actions during the search for a replacement for commissioner Bud Selig."

Williams has spent that last two seasons in the executive vice president role. Prior to the promotion, Williams was the White Sox's general manager for 12 seasons.

According to Olney, the Blue Jays are also interested in Baltimore Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette. He is under contract until 2018, and managing partner Peter Angelos said he wants Duquette to continue in his role.

- Sarah Barshop