NEW YORK -- Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson issued a statement Thursday about his alleged racist remark toward Chicago White Sox infielder Tim Anderson and his subsequent suspension.
During Saturday's game in the Bronx, Donaldson called Anderson "Jackie," in reference to Jackie Robinson. His comment drew criticism on and off the field, and Major League Baseball suspended him for one game.
Donaldson, who is currently on the COVID list, appealed the suspension, claiming he was making a lighthearted jab. He said the remark was in reference to a 2019 Sports Illustrated interview in which Anderson described himself as feeling like today's Jackie Robinson - isolated in a predominantly white sport.