(New York) Major League Baseball confirmed a one-game suspension for Josh Donaldson after New York Yankees third baseman made comments about Jackie Robinson to Chicago White Sox star Tim Anderson, comments deemed racist by the latter’s manager, Tony La Russo.
MLB Special Counsel John McHale Jr. upheld the suspension after hearing Donaldson’s appeal on Thursday, a person with knowledge of the disciplinary action told The Associated Press. This source requested anonymity as McHale’s decision has not been announced.
Donaldson’s fine was halved by McHale and is now $5,000. Donaldson will serve his Game 1 suspension in the series between the Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday.
Donaldson’s sanction was imposed on May 23, two days after he made the remarks to Anderson. Donaldson defended himself by saying he was referring to a newspaper article illustrated sports released in 2019, in which Anderson, who is black, is quoted as saying he feels like “the Jackie Robinson of our time […]because he changed the sport and I feel like we are getting to a point where I have to change the sport.”
Anderson agreed with his manager, and several Yankees members felt Donaldson was wrong to use these comments.
Donaldson, who is white, said he has joked with Anderson about this interview in the past. He did, however, publicly apologize to Robinson’s family.
