May 6, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson (7) in the dugout prior to the game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

White Sox's Tim Anderson says Josh Donaldson calling him 'Jackie' led to near brawl

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Jason Burgos | Last updated 5/21/22

It seems the near brawl on Saturday between Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson and New York Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson may have had some racist undertones involved.

During a Saturday afternoon matchup in the Bronx, Anderson and Donaldson had an exchange in the infield as an inning came to an end. The pair got very close and had some strong words for each other before teammates ran in between them to diffuse the situation.

The two already had heat after a May 13 matchup where Donaldson got a little too physical on a tag at the hot corner.

Tim Anderson once again says something to Josh Donaldson and this time Donaldson chirped back pic.twitter.com/vyTrsl1xln
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) May 21, 2022

The next time Donaldson came to the plate, more strong language was exchanged but this time between Donaldson and Grandal. The benches eventually cleared and Anderson had to be physically held back by a couple of teammates from going after Donaldson.

Following the game, Anderson revealed the “disrespect” he felt when Donaldson sarcastically called him “Jackie” several times.

In his own postgame media availability, Donaldson confirmed he did make the reference and explained that it was used after Anderson dubbed himself as today’s Jackie Robinson during a 2019 interview with Sports Illustrated.

Tim Anderson took offense to Donaldson’s Jackie Robinson comment to him. Here’s TA: pic.twitter.com/j2vCw1XIAt
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) May 21, 2022

“It was a disrespectful comment. He tried to call me Jackie Robinson, [by saying] ‘What’s up Jackie.’ I don’t play like that. I don’t really play at all. I wasn’t really bothering nobody today, but he made the comment. It was disrespectful and I don’t really think it was called for.”

Anderson claimed the “Jackie” reference happened earlier in the game, but when it occurred once more in a later inning, he was unwilling to let the remark slide.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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