Major League Baseball (MLB) suspended New York Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson for one game for what it called “inappropriate comments” about the league’s Chicago White Sox forward Tim Anderson. .
In Saturday’s game against the White Sox, Donaldson called Anderson “Jackie” several times, referring to the big Jackie Robinson in the game. Donaldson was black, and Jackie Robinson made history by becoming the first black to play in MLB. White Sox manager Tony La Russa called the comment “racist.”
Yasmani Grandal has a lot to say to Josh Donaldson. Banks have been cleared, both teams have been warned. pic.twitter.com/px2gA5Q5hv
– Talking Yanks (@TalkinYanks) 21 May 2022
“He made a racist comment and that’s all I wanted to say,” La Russa told reporters after the game.
Similarly, Tim Anderson said, “I’m like, ‘What, Jackie?’ “I don’t play like that. I didn’t offend anyone much today, but he made comments and was disrespectful. I don’t think he was the reason. It’s not necessary.”
Donaldson admitted to calling Anderson “Jackie” in locker room interviews, but denied the racist intent.
“We’re not trying to start any fights or anything like that,” Donaldson told reporters. “He obviously thought it was disrespectful and if he did, I’m sorry because I never tried to do that in any way.”
“I named him Jackie. He gave an interview saying he was the new Jackie Robinson… We were really kidding. I’ve said that to him over the years, just as a joke, not on any occasion.” – Josh Donaldson discusses Tim Anderson. pic.twitter.com/BJE1NqfP19
– Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) 21 May 2022
Donaldson said why he used the name “Jackie” was due to a joke that they joked with each other after Anderson’s interview in 2019. sports photos.
“I feel like Jackie Robinson now,” Anderson said. Sports photos. “Too much to say. But still, it’s great, because he changed the game and I feel like I’m getting close to the point where I need to change the game.”
MLB said Donaldson’s one-game suspension and an undisclosed fine were due to “inappropriate comments.”
“MLB has completed the process of negotiating with those involved. “There is no disagreement about what was said on the pitch,” said Michael Hill, MLB’s senior vice president of field operations.
“Whatever Mr.’s intentions may be. His statement to Donaldson, Mr. Anderson said, was disrespectful and shortsighted, especially in the context of his past interactions. “Also, what Mr. Donaldson said was a contributing factor to the bench incident between the teams and discipline requires.”
Source: Breitbart
