Tensions between Josh Donaldson and Tim Anderson have been building for the past week, but on Saturday, the White Sox alleged the Yankees slugger made a racist statement toward Anderson.
After the Yankees’ 7-5 victory in The Bronx, Donaldson said he had playfully dubbed Anderson “Jackie” — as he has done before.
He added — in reference to a 2019 Sports Illustrated feature in which Anderson labelled himself “today’s Jackie Robinson.”
Anderson, who is black, did not see it as a joke on Saturday, even though Donaldson asserted that the two had laughed about it before. Jackie, what’s up? Donaldson allegedly asked him several times, according to him.
Anderson Dismissed Donaldson’s Version of Events
Despite Donaldson’s protests, Anderson did not believe his story. I know he said that in 2019,” Anderson added. I told him there is no need for us to communicate ever again.
And if that’s how you’re going to refer to me, we’re not going to have any more communication. Moreover, I am confident that he was well aware of the consequences of his actions.
After the Yankees’ 7-5 victory over the White Sox on Saturday, White Sox manager Tony La Russa called a comment made by Donaldson “racist.”
Aaron Boone, manager of the New York Yankees, said he believed Donaldson meant no damage by his comments, but that he thought using such a name was “somewhere he should not be going.”
During Sunday night’s game, several Yankees fans booed and chanted “Jackie” at Anderson as a form of mockery.
Anderson smashed a three-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning, and his team went on to win, 5-0.
Donaldson, who is in his first year with the Yankees, is on on the disabled list because of a positive Covid-19 test.
Conclusion
According to a report, Major League Baseball had begun investigating the situation and communicating with all parties involved by early Saturday night.
Depending on the findings of the inquiry, it’s possible that self-discipline may be mandated. After tensions erupted between Donaldson and Anderson last weekend in Chicago.
Anderson reportedly called Donaldson “Jackie” in the first inning on Saturday to defuse the situation.
The benches and bullpens cleared again in the third and fifth innings on Saturday when White Sox catcher Yasmani Grandal engaged in a lengthy altercation with Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Josh Donaldson at the plate.
