While White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson was on base, Donaldson made offensive remarks by calling him “Jackie.” Anderson is African-American. “Disrespectful remark. In essence, he attempted to nickname me Jackie Robinson, as in ‘What’s up, Jackie?’ I do not play this way. Saturday, Anderson told reporters, “I never play.” Later in the game, a benches-clearing confrontation was precipitated by Donaldson’s remark.
Michael Hill, MLB’s senior vice president of on-field operations, said in a statement released Monday afternoon, “Regardless of Mr. Donaldson’s intent, the comment he directed toward Mr. Anderson was disrespectful and lacked good judgment, especially when viewed in the context of their prior interactions.” Hill met with Aaron Boone directly after the event.
Donaldson has opted to file an appeal against the ban. In addition to his suspension, Donaldson was also placed on the COVID-19 list, joining Joey Gallo and Kyle Higashioka, who had been placed on the COVID IL the previous day.
