In the middle of Saturday’s game between the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox, both benches cleared after third baseman Josh Donaldson and catcher Yasmani Grandal got into a heated conversation.
After the game, Chicago shortstop Tim Anderson indicated that Donaldson made a racist remark told him, calling him “Jackie.” The slight was targeted at Anderson calling himself the modern-day “Jackie Robinson” a few years ago, but clearly, the Chicago infielder took offense.
“He just made a disrespectful comment. He was trying to call me Jackie Robinson, ‘What’s up Jackie?’ ” Anderson, said. “I don’t play like that. … That happened the first time he got on, and I let it go that time, and it happened again. It’s just uncalled for.
Donaldson indicated that he’s been calling him “Jackie” for years as a playful joke, but Tim saw it as racially motivated.
Before the team’s doubleheader on Sunday against Chicago, manager Aaron Boone spoke out on the matter.
- 3 Yankees who need to step up after tough start to 2024 season
- Yankees Top MiLB Performers: Catcher off to red-hot start, sweep in Norfolk, and pitching gems
- Yankees’ Aaron Boone gushes over star shortstop
According to Lindsey Adler of The Athletic, Boone indicated that Josh should not be heading down that path:
“Josh has been very forthcoming with the history of it and the context of it. So I don’t believe there was any malicious intent in that regard. But you know, this is — just in my opinion — somewhere he should not be going.”
Boone doesn’t believe that Donaldson’s comments were malicious, but he did indicate that he should steer clear of any situation that could be perceived in such a bad light.
Many are split on how the league should handle Donaldson, suspending him for his comments or absolving him of any concern based on the nature of his perspective.
This is a very interesting situation that could unfold in a myriad of different ways, but one thing is for sure, Donaldson needs to be far more cautious with his smack-talk strategy.