MLB has suspended New York Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson for one game for “inappropriate comments” directed at Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson, sparking a bench-clearing incident on the Saturday game involving both teams’ players.
In addition to the suspension, MLB also fined the former Minnesota star for an undisclosed amount.
Tim Anderson—who is African American–spoke to reporters after the match that Donaldson repeatedly called him “Jackie”—referring to baseball legend Jackie Robinson who ended the 80-year segregation in modern baseball in 1947.
Donaldson denied being a racist, arguing that he did that based on Anderson’s interview with Sports Illustrated in 2019 when he compared himself to the prominent African American who broke the color barrier in the MLB.
White Sox manager Tony de la Russa labeled Donaldson’s comment “racist”.
MLB’s statement
MLB stated that Donaldson’s intent was not the body’s main reason for imposing a suspension, claiming that such a remark was “disrespectful and poor judgment.”
“There is no dispute over what was said on the field. Regardless of Mr. Donaldson’s intent, the comment he directed toward Mr. Anderson was disrespectful and in poor judgment, particularly when viewed in the context of their prior interactions,” MLB said in a statement.
“In addition, Mr. Donaldson’s remark contributed to a bench-clearing incident between the teams and warrants discipline,” MLB added.
Donaldson has reportedly moved forward with a motion to appeal this decision.
Chronology
The 36-year-old Donaldson was running between second and third base after Yankees shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa’s attempt ended the third inning.
Anderson later was seen reacting to Donaldson’s comment towards him. Later the White Sox shortstop said that Donaldson “made a disrespectful comment.”
“Basically tried to call me Jackie Robinson: ‘What’s up, Jackie?’” Anderson talked to reporters on Saturday. “He made the comment and it was disrespectful and I don’t think it was called for. It was unnecessary.”
The White Sox-Yankees game was interrupted again in the fifth innings when Chicago catcher Yasmani Grandal confronted Donaldson for his remarks at home plate, triggering Grandal’s teammates to clear the benches.
At that time, the cause of the incident was not clear. However, La Russa spoke to reporters that Donaldson’s alleged racist comment sparked the tension at the pitch.
On May 13, Donaldson and Anderson were also involved in a spat in the previous Yankees-White Sox game when Anderson slid back, entering the third base, then Donaldson shoved him.
Yankees’ reactions
Yankees manager Aaron Boone reacted to the suspension, claiming that such a remark did not need a punishment while still respecting the MLB decision.
“I don’t think it warranted a suspension, but I certainly respect their process,” Boone said.
Donaldson’s teammate Aaron Judge regretted the spat involving both players, saying that whether the remark was a joke, it was not the right thing to do.
Judge-who is an outfielder—also added that his teammate had made a mistake and hoped that this incident could help grow the game while praising Anderson as one of the MLB’s finest shortstops in the game.
The Yankees will face the Baltimore Orioles from May 24 to May 26 before playing against the Tampa Bay Rays from May 27 to May 30.
