MLB Hands Out Penalty To Josh Donaldson Over "Jackie" Incident

 Josh Donaldson spoke on Saturday, now Major League Baseball has had its say. After an investigation into the on-field incident involving the New York Yankees' third baseman and the Chicago White Sox' Tim Anderson, MLB has handed down a one-game suspension to Donaldson for "inappropriate comments." 

Josh Donaldson has received a one-game suspension and a fine. He has chosen to appeal.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) May 23, 2022

During Saturday's game, Donaldson reportedly (and admittedly) said to the African-American White Sox shortstop "Hi Jackie", in a reference to the legendary Jackie Robinson who broke baseball's color barrier in 1947. The incidents led the benches to empty on two occasions.

Afterwards, while Donaldson explained it was "an inside joke" he thought he had going with Anderson, the ChiSox shortstop didn't seem to share the same opinion.  

Tim Anderson says Josh Donaldson referred to him as "Jackie [Robinson]" pic.twitter.com/sk8R7HEJ7w

— White Sox Talk (@NBCSWhiteSox) May 21, 2022

Anderson called the comments "disrespectful", and MLB seems to agree. 

“There is no dispute over what was said on the field. Regardless of Mr. Donaldson's intent, the comment he directed toward Mr. Anderson was disrespectful and in poor judgment," ruled MLB, "particularly when viewed in the context of their prior interactions.”

The official statement added, "Mr. Donaldson’s remark was a contributing factor in a bench-clearing incident between the teams, and warrants discipline.” 

Donaldson is appealing the suspension.