New York Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson has received a one-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for his racist remarks directed at Tim Anderson on Saturday evening.
Donaldson, himself, confirmed the accusations and admitted to calling Anderson “Jackie,” as in Jackie Robinson. Though he viewed it jokingly, everyone on the White Sox took it very seriously as a racial matter. Things eventually escalated when Yasmani Grandal confronted Donaldson later in the game, which caused both benches to clear as things got heated.
“It happened in the firstー the first time he got onー and I spared him that time,” Anderson said after Saturday’s game. “Then it happened again, and it was just uncalled for. We don’t need to be playing like that.”
Numerous other White Sox players and coaches have since shared their thoughts, all expressing their disdain for the long-hated Donaldson.
Michael Hill, Major League Baseball’s Senior Vice President for On-Field Operations, made the announcement on Monday regarding Donaldson’s suspension. He had the following to say in a press release issued by Major League Baseball:
“MLB has completed the process of speaking to the individuals involved in this incident. 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. In addition, Mr. Donaldson’s remark was a contributing factor in a bench-clearing incident between the teams, and warrants discipline.”
Donaldson’s suspension was scheduled to be effective tonight as the Yankees get set to host the Baltimore Orioles. However, Donaldson has elected to appeal and was later placed on the COVID-19 injured list. Thus, the discipline will be held in abeyance until the process is complete.
As we continue to learn more on this situation, we will provide further updates here and on social media @SoxOn35th.
Featured Photo: Sarah Stier/Getty Images
