New York Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson received a one-game suspension for comments he made towards White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson earlier this week. Donaldson admitted to calling Anderson “Jackie,” which was in reference to a 2019 interview where Anderson referred to himself as MLB's modern day Jackie Robinson.
However, Anderson took exception to the comments. The White Sox shortstop recently explained the history between him and Donaldson in regards to the “Jackie” comment.
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
Despite appealing the suspension, Donaldson issued a formal apology on Thursday to both Tim Anderson and the family of Jackie Robinson, per Mark Feinsand.
Statement from Josh Donaldson: pic.twitter.com/suVndRyAze
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) May 26, 2022
The part of the Yankees' third baseman's apology that stands out is where he admits that the perspective on the narrative has changed.
“In the past, it had never been an issue and now that it is, we have a mutual understanding.”
Race tensions in the United States have undeniably increased over the past few years. Donaldson likely did not mean to offend Anderson in any way. In his mind, he was attempting to dish out playful trash talk.
Donaldson's Yankee teammate Aaron Judge respectfully took issue with his comments as well.
“It’s a tough one. Joke or not, I don’t think it’s the right thing to do there especially given the history… the series in Chicago, kind of a little bit of beef between Anderson and JD,” Judge said. “Anderson is one of the best shortstops in the game. He’s a big part of MLB and what’s going on here, how we can grow the game.”
But it seems as if Donaldson and Anderson are now on the same page. The Yankees third baseman displayed maturity in apologizing to the Robinson family as well.
Both the Yankees and White Sox will look to move on from this unfortunate incident.
Follow Us
Subscribe