“Absolutely meant no disrespect” – Josh Donaldson breaks silence after suspension with apologizes to Jackie Robinson’s family
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Josh Donaldson suspended for his "Jackie" comment
New York Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson has issued an apology to the legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson and his family members. This took place after he referred to a Black opponent and Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson, as “Jackie” during a game last week.
“First and foremost, I have the utmost respect for what Tim Anderson brings to the game of baseball. I stated over the weekend that I apologized for offending Tim and that it was a misunderstanding based on multiple exchanges between us over the years. My view of that exchange hasn’t changed and I absolutely meant no disrespect. In the past, it had never been an issue and now that it is, we have a mutual understanding,” Donaldson said in a statement released on Thursday.
He added: “I would also like to apologize to Mrs Rachel Robinson and the Jackie Robinson family for any distress this incident may have caused. Jackie was a true American hero and I hold his name in the highest regard.”
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Donaldson suspended for one MLB game
Following this incident, the Florida native Donaldson was handed over with a one-game suspension by the Major League Baseball (MLB) for what he claimed was an “inside joke” with Anderson. The 36-year-old on Saturday said his comment had been a reference to an old interview Anderson had given to Sports Illustrated, in which he described himself as feeling like “today’s Jackie Robinson”.
“MLB has completed the process of speaking to the individuals involved in this incident. 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, particularly when viewed in the context of their prior interactions. In addition, Mr Donaldson’s remark was a contributing factor in a bench-clearing incident between the teams, and warrants discipline.”
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Sachin Arora
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