White Sox: Benches cleared after Donaldson made 'racist comment'

May 18, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson (28) runs out a third inning single against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

White Sox say benches cleared after Yankees' Josh Donaldson made 'racist comment'

By Adam Stites | Last updated 5/21/22

Benches cleared during the New York Yankees' 7-5 win against the Chicago White Sox on Saturday, and the White Sox say that a "racist comment" made by Yankees designated hitter Josh Donaldson caused the issue.

In the bottom of the fifth, Donaldson came to the plate but before he saw a pitch he was nose-to-nose with White Sox catcher Yasmani Grandal.

Grandal and Donaldson exchanged words at home plate, benches cleared, TA had to be restrained pic.twitter.com/3OgsVivV7U
— White Sox Talk (@NBCSWhiteSox) May 21, 2022

After the game, Chicago manager Tony La Russa told reporters that Donaldson "made a racist comment," but declined to elaborate. White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson told reporters that the comment was directed at him and said that Donaldson called him "Jackie."

Tim Anderson says Josh Donaldson referred to him as "Jackie [Robinson]" pic.twitter.com/sk8R7HEJ7w
— White Sox Talk (@NBCSWhiteSox) May 21, 2022

Donaldson confirmed the comment, explaining to reporters that it was in reference to Anderson calling himself "today's Jackie Robinson" during a 2019 interview with Sports Illustrated.

Josh Donaldson admits he called Tim Anderson "Jackie" on the field today: pic.twitter.com/eko1UaR3Nt
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) May 21, 2022

A week ago, Anderson and Donaldson had a heated exchange after a play at third base. Earlier in the game Saturday, the two were seen having words between innings.

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