New York Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson sparked a confrontation with Chicago shortstop Tim Anderson over the weekend. Donaldson reportedly made racist comments toward Anderson, who claimed he was called “Jackie,” a reference to Jackie Robinson.
Anderson made a comment several years ago that he was the next “Jackie Robinson,” which prompted Donaldson to poke fun as a way of intimidation. Clearly, the Chicago star shortstop took serious offense and publicly stated his displeasure over the incident.
“Basically, it was trying to call me Jackie Robinson. Like, ‘What’s up, Jackie?’” Anderson said after Saturday’s game.
Donald tried to respond with a calming perspective, but the damage was already done.
“My meaning of that is not any term trying to be racist by any fact of the matter,” Donaldson responded with.
As a result of the situation, the MLB decided to suspend Donaldson on Monday because of his poor judgment.
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According to the Associated Press, the MLB cracked down on Yankees 3B Josh Donaldson:
Major League Baseball suspended Josh Donaldson for one game Monday after the New York Yankees slugger made multiple references to Jackie Robinson while talking to White Sox star Tim Anderson during the weekend.
Major League Baseball spoke to Anderson about the specific incident and why Donaldson was in the wrong.
“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,” Michael Hill, the senior vice president of on-field operations for MLB, said in a statement.
The Yankees will not have to proceed without Donaldson for one game, an interesting length that the MLB imposed. Seemingly, they had to dish out some sort of consequence for Donaldson’s actions, but one game seems to be insignificant.