MLB on Monday announced they were fining and suspending Josh Donaldson one game for his interaction with Tim Anderson on Saturday that left the White Sox infielder perturbed.
Donaldson called Anderson “Jackie” during the first inning of Saturday’s game between their teams. Anderson said after the game that he didn’t like the remark.
“Basically, it was trying to call me Jackie Robinson, like ‘what’s up, Jackie?’” Anderson told reporters after the game. “I don’t play like that. I don’t really play at all. I wasn’t really bothering nobody today, but he made the comment and it was disrespectful. I don’t think it was called for.”
White Sox manager Tony La Russa, who is known for being extremely protective of his players, called Donaldson’s remark “racist.” Anderson agreed that the comment was along racist lines.
Donaldson confirmed he made the remark but said it was in reference to a past interview where Anderson mentioned himself in comparison with Jackie Robinson.