Josh Donaldson Jackie Robinson’s family and Jackie Robinson’s spouse have apologised to him for referring to the barrier-breaking Hall of Famer’s names. Tim Anderson Last week, Robinson said that he was “a true American hero” who he held “in the greatest regard”.
Donaldson offered his apology in the context of a statement to MLB.com Three days following the event, on Thursday New York Yankees Third baseman was suspended one game Major League Baseball for Anderson’s “inappropriate comments” over the weekend.
Donaldson admitted to calling Anderson “Jackie” during Saturday’s game against the Yankees. This was a reference Robinson, who broke the MLB’s color barrier back in 1947. Chicago White Sox. After the game, Anderson apologized to the former MVP, claiming he didn’t mean any disrespect and was just joking about Anderson, who is Black.
Donaldson repeated these sentiments in his Thursday statement before apologizing for Rachel Robinson and her family.
Donaldson stated, “I also apologize to Mrs. Rachel Robinson as well as the Jackie Robinson families for any distress caused by this incident.” “Jackie was an American hero, and I hold his name with the greatest respect.”
Anderson stated Saturday that Donaldson’s comments offended him, calling them “disrespectful and unnecessary.” Tony La Russa, White Sox manager, said that Donaldson’s comments were racist.
Donaldson stated in his Thursday statement that he had the deepest respect for the contributions of Tim Anderson to baseball. “I said over the weekend that my apologies for offending Tim were based upon multiple exchanges we had over the years.
“My view on that exchange hasn’t changed, and I don’t mean any disrespect. It had never been an issue in the past. But now, it is.
Donaldson, who is white said the “Jackie” reference was to a 2019 interview by Sports Illustrated where Anderson described himself as feeling “today’s Jackie Robinson” because he feels like he’s at “a point” that “I need to change this game.” Donaldson claimed it was an analogy that Anderson had made in the past.
Anderson said Tuesday he and Donaldson haven’t had a relationship Since 2019, he has called him Jackie for the first time.
Anderson remembered that Anderson said it. Anderson said, “I don’t talk to you, you don’t talk to me, if this is how you want to refer me to.” Because I had already told him, I knew he knew exactly what I was doing.
Anderson claimed that Donaldson was the one who played for Anderson Minnesota TwinsThe two did not make contact. After Anderson’s hard slip into Donaldson at third base May 13, this changed. This prompted a benches-clearing incident in which the two players exchanged words. Donaldson and Anderson reconnected in New York this weekend, with Anderson calling Anderson “Jackie”.
Donaldson, who was also fined an undisclosed amount for the offense, appealed the one-game suspension. He will continue to be eligible for the Yankees’ until the appeal process has been completed. Donaldson was added to the COVID-19 injures list by the Yankees shortly before his suspension was announced Monday.
This report used information from The Associated Press.