May 13, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson (7) talks with New York Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson (28) after having an altercation during the first inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

New York Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson finally has apologized to Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson after what Anderson considered a racially charged conversation between the two when Donaldson referred to Anderson as “Jackie,” a reference to Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson, who was the first African-American to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball.

Anderson took offense to what Donaldson said and the third baseman was suspended for one game. Anderson also verified that Donaldson had referred to him as “Jackie” once before though he refuted the notion that he took it as a joke.

The reference came from a time when Anderson referred to himself as the next Jackie Robinson in an interview.

Now, Donaldson has released a statement in part apologizing to Anderson.

“First and foremost, I have the utmost respect for what Tim Anderson brings to the game of baseball,” Donaldson’s statement read. “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.

“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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About Stacey Mickles

Stacey is a 1995 graduate of the University of Alabama who has previously worked for other publications such as Sportskeeda and Saturday Down South.