Chicago White Sox Closer Liam Hendriks Rips Josh Donaldson’s ‘illusion’ for ‘Jackie’ comments to Tim Anderson
Josh Donaldson said he was “joking around” when he mentioned Tim Anderson is “Jackie”, but at least one member of Chicago White Sox Don’t buy ex-MVP’s explanation.
“Often you have inner jokes with close friends, not people who don’t get along at all,” the White Sox said closer. Liam Hendriks said Sunday, the day after the exchange between Donaldson and Anderson provoked a bench cleaning incident at Yankee Stadium. “So that statement is purely bulls—.”
Donaldson admitted after Saturday’s game calling Anderson “Jackie” – a nod to Jackie Robinson – in the first inning. The Yankees The third baseman apologized, saying he didn’t mean to be disrespectful.
But Anderson, who is black, said Saturday that he was offended by Donaldson’s comment, calling it “disrespectful” and “unnecessary.” Hendriks echoed those sentiments on Sunday afternoon before the clubs began a confrontation between the two.
“We are in this club, we have [Anderson’s] back and everything – and that’s just a completely unacceptable thing,” said Hendriks. Once again, [the Yankees] trying to treat it as an inside joke – no, it’s a horse —. They don’t have such things going on. … It’s like having an inner joke with someone you’re sworn enemies with, I guess you could say.
“But that’s not how it went down in this guild, and I don’t understand how [Donaldson] never thought of it like that. It’s just a frank illusion. “
Donaldson, who is white, said “Jackie’s” comment was related to a 2019 interview with Sports Illustrated in which Anderson described himself feeling like “Today’s Jackie Robinson” in the way he He “came to a point where I needed to change the game.” Donaldson says it’s a reference to something he’s “played around” with Anderson in the past.
Major League Baseball is looking into the matter and talking to all relevant stakeholders, a source told ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez. Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Sunday he doesn’t think Donaldson should be reached for comment.
“I don’t believe there is any malicious intent in that regard,” Boone told reporters. “But you know, this is just, in my opinion, somewhere he shouldn’t be.”
White Sox manager Tony La Russa on Saturday said he thought Donaldson’s comments were “racist” and a day later he elaborated on the situation, telling reporters that he was “curious” to see if the Yankees would settle the case.
“I’m really curious to see what the Yankee organization has to say,” La Russa said. “What I’m saying here doesn’t really matter. I’ve seen what Aaron said – he’s in the middle of a rock and a rough place there.”
Hendriks also said he also hopes to get further feedback from the Yankees.
“Some of our guys made sure that a few people in their club knew exactly what was going on,” Hendriks said. “So even though it was an internal thing that had to happen on their side, today we came out and did what we came here to do – we have a chance to win two games at the Stadium. Yankee.”
Anderson was dropped from Chicago’s Game 1 squad by La Russa, who said it “didn’t make sense” to let the former AL batting champion play both doubles. After the White Sox beat the Yankees 3-1 in game 1, Anderson started the nightcap and hit a three-game home run in the eighth round. Donaldson is on the bench.
Donaldson scuffled with Anderson on May 13 in Chicago after placing a hard card on the White Sox star’s slide, who responded with a shove, which resulted in the benches and bar having to be cleared. . Donaldson said Saturday that he is “trying to defuse” any lingering tension as the players cross paths early in the game.
In the third inning, Donaldson rounded up the second base after the final and started to face Anderson as the teams took to the field. Donaldson was escorted off the field by Boone while Anderson was led by third-team coach Joe McEwing.
“[Donaldson] knows what he’s doing,” said Hendriks. He intended it to be exactly the same. He did not intend to cause quick consequences. “
