Tim Anderson admitted on Tuesday that Josh Donaldson had previously invoked Jackie Robinson’s name with him, but the White Sox host insisted he never took the Yankees’ third baseman joke.
Donaldson, who is appealing the sanction of a game he received from MLB for his part in triggering a bank robbery incident on Saturday, had explained that he jokingly referred to Anderson as “Jackie” several times in the past after Anderson christened himself. “Jackie Robinson Today” in a 2019 Sports Illustrated article.
Anderson said he let Donaldson know in 2019 that he didn’t find Robinson’s references funny.
“I told him we should never talk to him again. I won’t talk to you. .
“I can definitely go on, but I’m not looking for any friendship or relationship by that name.”
Yankees coach Aaron Boone and Aaron Judge have publicly stated that Donaldson should never have included Robinson’s name in his exchange with Anderson.
Donaldson addressed his colleagues after speaking with some of them and Boone at the manager’s office on Sunday, but Anderson stressed that he has not spoken to Donaldson since the incident. The two players had also been on the verge of suffering blows the week before in Chicago after a tough Donaldson tag at third base.
“It’s difficult,” Judge said after Monday’s loss to the Orioles. “Joke or not, I don’t think it’s the right thing to do.
“Given the history, especially the series in Chicago and the bit of beef between Anderson and JD. Anderson is one of the best short stops in the game and is an important part of MLB and how we can grow the game. [Donaldson] receiving a suspension for a match … I don’t know. He made a mistake, he realized it and we have to move on. ”
First baseman Anthony Rizzo also said it was important for Donaldson to lead the team and that he agreed with Judge’s assessment of the situation.
Josh DonaldsonGetty Images
“I think what Judgie said represents how we all feel,” Rizzo said. “It simply came to our notice then. Whenever something appears as a unit, we want to address it, review it, and move on. When things happen or are said, you can’t get them back. But explain what you did and move on.
“In any scenario, when things happen you have to deal with them and sometimes they are not comfortable. They can be very uncomfortable and sensitive. But as human beings, you talk about it and you find out. Josh is a good guy and has a good heart, but sometimes he says things. But he tackled it and I’m confident he’ll learn. ”
Boone, who said Sunday that he did not believe Donaldson should have “gone” invoking Robinson, added Tuesday that he does not believe the situation remains at the Yankees clubhouse.
“I feel like we’re equipped to handle it and we’ll absolutely manage it as a team and I don’t think it will hold up,” Boone said. “The story can go on. And that’s something that’s not necessarily in our control. But I’m sure the proximity to the room will allow us to deal with that.”
Donaldson was also assigned to the injury list by COVID-19 on Monday, joining teammates Joey Gallo and Kyle Higashioka, although the latter was reinstated for Tuesday’s game.
Tim Anderson is restricted by teammates. Robert Sabo
Gerrit Cole also believed it was “definitely” important for Donaldson to address his teammates.
“We’re all wrong, and I think then you try to do your best and be honest and accept any punishment that I suppose comes to you,” Cole said. “As a group, we just try to take care of each other. It happened and we move on.
“I feel like this has been the atmosphere, but that doesn’t mean that what happened was appropriate.”