David Ross Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

David Ross was abruptly fired as manager of the Chicago Cubs so the organization could bring in Craig Counsell, and Ross made his first comments since that shocking decision.

Ross said in an interview that he was thankful for the chance to manage the Cubs and refused to be too critical of his former employer.

“I am really thankful for the four years I got, coming from zero coaching experience to getting the chance to manage such a great organization that has impacted my life in a great way,” Ross told Jim Henry of the Tallahassee Democrat. “There’s great people there. I really don’t have a whole lot negative to say, to be honest. I get mad from time to time but I have a lot to be thankful for.”

Ross added that the Cubs were within their rights to fire him, even if he felt the move was harsh.

“If my boss doesn’t think I am a good manager, then he should move on. I don’t fault him for that. If he doesn’t think I am the right guy, that’s his job. That’s his choice,” Ross said. “I have my own thoughts and opinions that I will keep to myself.”

By most accounts, Ross did not necessarily do anything wrong. Counsell was available, and the Cubs wanted him. That said, at least one of his former players did not seem too upset to see him fired.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Frank Vogel fell victim to a Suns ownership group eager to win
Luka Doncic hands OKC first playoff loss with gutsy Game 2 effort
Three takeaways as Rangers take commanding 3-0 series lead on Hurricanes
Rams make surprising move with former team captain
Ohio State AD is wrong for thinking Michigan wins deserve asterisk
Padres OF Jurickson Profar is a legitimate MVP candidate
Steelers' Cameron Heyward comments on controversial Justin Fields idea
Pacers coach claims officials are biased against 'small market' teams
14-year-old phenom signs unprecedented MLS deal that includes future Man City transfer
Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy's 'soured' relationship paints murky future for PGA Tour
Stars almost blow another lead, even series with Avalanche
Auburn's Hugh Freeze uncomfortable with 'bidding wars' for top players in transfer portal
Cavaliers punch back, blow out Celtics in Game 2
Coach: Oilers star center could miss Game 2 vs. Canucks
Watch: Cavaliers' Evan Mobley turns defense into offense in Game 2 vs. Celtics
Xander Schauffele tops stacked leaderboard after first round of Wells Fargo Championship
Suns talks with head-coaching target 'expected to move quickly'
Knicks get even more bad injury news ahead of Game 3
2008 Celtics champion sentenced to prison despite emotional plea
Skip Bayless makes huge Tom Brady prediction after Netflix roast