During Saturday’s game between the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox, third baseman Josh Donaldson, who is white, referred to White Sox outfielder Tim Anderson, who is Black, as “Jackie.” White Sox manager Tony La Russa labeled the comment “racist” and Anderson later agreed. Now, Major League Baseball has issued a punishment for Donaldson.
Major League Baseball has suspended Donaldson for one game and issued him a fine for his comments.
Josh Donaldson has received a one-game suspension and a fine. He has chosen to appeal.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) May 23, 2022
“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,” read a statement by Michael Hill, Major League Baseball’s Senior Vice President for On-Field Operations. “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.”
(Part 2): "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.
— LaMond Pope (@lamondpope) May 23, 2022
Donaldson admitted to calling Anderson “Jackie” but claimed it was in reference to the White Sox outfielder saying that he was “today’s Jackie Robinson” in a 2019 Sports Illustrated article. The Yankee kinda-sorta apologized after the game as well.
“Obviously, he deemed it disrespectful,” Donaldson said. “And look, if he did, I apologize.”
There’s been a lot of discussions in the day since regarding whether or not Donaldson has racist intentions by using the phrase, but clearly, Major League Baseball sees something in the comments and their loaded nature.
The suspension only adds to the discussion that many are having around the baseball world about Donaldson, his intent, and whether or not the punishment is justified for it.
sure, josh donaldson has a right to appeal, but when you think about *what* he’s appealing, it says everything about who josh donaldson is… https://t.co/e5baCGFXMO
— mike taddow (@MikeTaddow) May 23, 2022
Josh Donaldson only getting one game for calling Tim Anderson “Jackie” Robinson and then lying that it was an “inside” joke instead of a racist taunt is ridiculous. Should have been suspended for 25 games for it. An appeal by Josh Donaldson practically makes the move cosmetic https://t.co/Wlx5A2iuA8
— 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐩𝐞 (@exavierpope) May 23, 2022
I'm critical of MLB's handling of situations all the time – as they deserve it. But credit where it is due, they got the Josh Donaldson suspension right. Send a message loud and clear that stupid/offensive comments, regardless of intent, can offend and must be ceased. Well done.
— Dan Clark (@DanClarkSports) May 23, 2022
A slap on the wrist for Josh Donaldson. I can’t say that I’m surprised about it.
What I am surprised about is how many people are defending his actions. Gross.
TA7 is Chicago. What a player. 🖤⚾️
— Vinnie Parise (@VinnieParise) May 23, 2022
Let me get this straight. Keegan Thompson 3 games for hitting a batter in the butt. Astros zero for cheating in WSeries. Josh Donaldson *1* for calling Tim Anderson “Jackie”?
— Luke Stuckmeyer (@LukeStuckmeyer) May 23, 2022
Donaldson is hitting .238 with five home runs and 15 RBI in his first season with the Yankees. Even without the suspension, he wouldn’t have played tonight as he’s been placed on the COVID list.
