Josh Donaldson says he was joking around when he referred to Tim Anderson as "Jackie", but at least one member of the Chicago White Sox isn't buying it.
The exchange between Donaldson and Anderson caused a benches-clearing incident at Yankee on Saturday, and Liam Hendriks said that he usually has inside jokes with people he gets along with.
Donaldson admitted after Saturday's game to calling Anderson "Anderson" in the first. The Yankees third baseman apologized.
Anderson, who is Black, said Saturday that he was offended by Donaldson's comment, calling it disrespectful and unnecessary.
The Yankees are trying to make it sound like it is an inside joke. They do not have those sorts of things going on. I guess you could say that is like having an inside joke with a guy who is a nemesis.
I don't understand how Donaldson ever thought of it that way. It is straight delusional.
Donaldson, who is white, said that the comment was in reference to an interview Anderson had with Sports Illustrated in which he said he was getting to the point where he felt likeJackie Robinson.
A source told Gonzalez that Major League Baseball is looking into the matter and speaking to all of the relevant parties involved. Donaldson made the comment, but the Yankees manager doesn't think he should have.
There was no malicious intent, according to Boone.
Tony La Russa said Saturday that he thought Donaldson's comment was racist and elaborated on the situation a day later, telling reporters he is "curious" to see whether the Yankees address the incident.
La Russa said he was curious to see what the Yankee organization said. I saw that he was between a rock and a hard place.
He also hopes for a response from the Yankees.
A couple of our guys made sure a couple guys in their locker room knew what was going on.
La Russa said it didn't make sense to have Anderson play both games of the doubleheader since he was held out of Chicago's Game 1 lineup.
On May 13 in Chicago, Donaldson and Anderson got into a shoving match after Donaldson put a hard tag on Anderson. Donaldson said Saturday that he was trying to diffuse any tension when the players crossed paths.
After the final out, Donaldson rounded second base and began jawing with Anderson as the teams left the field. Donaldson and Anderson were escorted off the field by third base coach Joe McEwing.
Donaldson knew exactly what he was doing. He did not intend for the repercussions to happen.
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