Josh Donaldson explained his reasoning behind calling Tim Anderson. (1:35)
New York Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson has been suspended by Major League Baseball for one game for making inappropriate comments to a Chicago White Sox player.
Donaldson was fined and is appealing the punishment. He will be able to play for the Yankees until the appeal process is over. The Yankees said before the suspension was announced that Donaldson had been put on the injured list.
The process of speaking to the individuals involved in the incident has been completed by MLB. There is no dispute about what was said on the field. When viewed in the context of their previous interactions, the comment Mr. Donaldson made toward Mr. Anderson was disrespectful and in poor judgement. Michael Hill, MLB's senior vice president for on-field operations, said in a statement that Mr. Donaldson's remark was a contributing factor in the bench clearing incident.
Donaldson admitted after Saturday's game to calling Anderson "Jackie", a nod to Robinson, who broke MLB's color barrier in 1947. The Yankees third baseman apologized.
Anderson, who is Black, said Saturday that he was offended by Donaldson's comment, calling it disrespectful and unnecessary.
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.
Donaldson made the comment, but the Yankees manager doesn't think he should have.
There was no malicious intent, according to Boone.
The Yankees are scheduled to play a three-game series against Baltimore on Monday and then head to the other side of the country for a four-game set against the Devil Dogs.
Donaldson had clashed with the White Sox before.
On May 13 the benches emptied after Anderson shoved Donaldson. Donaldson appeared to yell "Not sticky anymore!" after hitting a first-inning home run for the Twins last year, and White Sox ace Lucas Giolito referred to him as a "pest".
The report was contributed to by the Associated Press.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
