New York Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson's controversial comments to Chicago White Sox star Tim Anderson landed him a one-game suspension, and now the Sox shortstop has explained some of the history behind his relationship with the veteran infielder, via Vinnie Duber.
Tim Anderson said Josh Donaldson did call him “Jackie” in 2019 — the alleged beginning of “inside joke” Donaldson claimed existed — and that he told him how he felt about it then. Donaldson didn’t say it to him after, as a Twin, per TA, before making the comment again Saturday.
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) May 24, 2022
During Saturday's game between the Yankees and White Sox, Donaldson reportedly called Anderson “Jackie” in reference to MLB legend Jackie Robinson, who broke baseball's color barrier. After the game, Donaldson admitted to making the comments but insisted he meant no disrespect.
That doesn't seem to be entirely true, however. Anderson revealed that Donaldson first called him “Jackie” back in 2019, after which he told Donaldson he didn't appreciate being called that. The shortstop indicated that Donaldson did not make any remarks during his tenure with the Twins, during which he was division rivals with Anderson and the White Sox. However, when the White Sox and Yankees faced off on Saturday, Donaldson once again made those remarks.
While Donaldson claims to have thought the comments were part of some long-standing “inside joke” with Anderson, the 28-year-old indicated that was far from the case. White Sox players and coaches were also unhappy with Donaldson's antics, and even Aaron Judge called his teammate's comments “a mistake.”
Donaldson's comments were referring to the 2019 interview with Sports Illustrated in which Anderson described himself as “today's Jackie Robinson.”
The Yankees' third baseman was fined an undisclosed amount and suspended one game by MLB. He plans to appeal the suspension, though he is currently on the COVID-19 IL.
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