Why Was Josh Donaldson Suspended?

During a very heated series in the Bronx, the powerhouse New York Yankees took on the Chicago White Sox. The Sox are in second place in the American League Central Division. Sox player Tim Anderson told the media after the game that Josh Donaldson called him “Jackie” (as in Jackie Robinson) in a disrespectful way on many occasions during the game.

“He was trying to call me Jackie Robinson, like ‘What’s up, Jackie?'” Anderson said after the game. “I don’t play like that. I wasn’t really bothering anybody today, but he made the comment and it was disrespectful.” Anderson continued, “I don’t think it was called for. It was unnecessary,” he added, per CNN.

Josh Donaldson suspended for inappropriate comments to Tim Anderson

Following the altercation, the MLB issued former MVP, Josh Donaldson, a one-game suspension, as well as an undisclosed fine for what the league deemed an “inappropriate comment.”

The comment from Donaldson to Anderson caused an uproar during the fifth inning of Saturday’s game between Chicago and New York. Both teams’ benches cleared as a verbal confrontation between Donaldson and the White Sox’s catcher Yasmani Grandal erupted at home plate. Donaldson then appeared to point at Shortstop Tim Anderson who was playing the field at the time of the incident. Anderson had to be restrained by teammates as the benches cleared. Both teams were issued warnings but no one was ejected.

Donaldson claims that his comments weren’t racially charged

After The game, Josh Donaldson admitted that he called Tim Anderson “Jackie.” However, he denied any racist intent. “We are not trying to start any brawls or anything like that,” Donaldson told reporters of his controversial comments. “Obviously, he deemed it was disrespectful, and look, if he did, I apologize because that’s not what I was trying to do by any matter,” Donaldson then claimed that calling Anderson “Jackie” was a running joke between the two ballplayers. In 2019, Tim Anderson said in an interview that he saw himself as a modern-day Jackie Robinson (via Us Weekly). Anderson also revealed that he believes he’s changed the game of baseball for the better just like his idol.

The MLB released a statement confirming that they have spoken to both players about the incident. Regardless of Donaldson’s intent, the MLB concluded that the comments made were made out of poor judgment and disrespect. The league stated since Donaldson’s actions led to a bench-clearing confrontation punishment is warranted and inevitable. Josh Donaldson has appealed his suspension but no other information is available at this time.