Tim Anderson gives more context to the events that took place in New York. (0:46)
Josh Donaldson apologized to the family of the barrier-breaking Hall of Famer for using his name in reference to Tim Anderson, saying that he was a true American hero.
Donaldson issued his apology as part of a statement to MLB.com on Thursday, three days after the New York Yankees third baseman was suspended one game by Major League Baseball for his "inappropriate comments" to Anderson the previous weekend.
Donaldson referred to Anderson and Robinson, who broke MLB's color barrier in 1947, in the first frame of the game. He apologized after the game, saying he meant no disrespect and that he was joking with Anderson, who is black.
Donaldson apologized to Rachel Robinson and her family.
Donaldson apologized to Mrs. Rachel Robinson and the Robinson family for any distress this incident may have caused.
Anderson said Saturday he was offended by Donaldson's comment, which he said was disrespectful and unwarranted.
Donaldson apologized over the weekend for offending Tim and said it was a misunderstanding.
I meant no disrespect when I said my view of that exchange hasn't changed. In the past, it had never been an issue and now that it is, we have a mutual understanding.
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.
Anderson said that he and Donaldson haven't had a relationship since the first time he called him.
Anderson said that he told him we never have to talk again. I already told him what he was doing.
Anderson claims Donaldson and he had no contact while Donaldson was with the Twins. The benches-clearing incident during which the two players had words occurred after Anderson's hard slide into Donaldson at third base. Donaldson and Anderson crossed paths again this past weekend in New York, and Donaldson called Anderson again.
Donaldson is appealing the one-game suspension. He will be able to play for the Yankees until the appeal process is over. The Yankees said Donaldson had been put on the injured list before the suspension was announced.
Information from The Associated Press was used.
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