New York Yankees: Josh Donaldson suspended, appeals

One had a feeling that something was going to happen with Josh Donaldson. Major League Baseball said that they were going to investigate comments made by the New York Yankees third baseman where he called White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson “Jackie.” For his part, Donaldson admitted to saying that, although he claimed that he felt it was an inside joke between the two players.

That investigation ended quickly. They had announced that Donaldson was being suspended for one game and handed a fine. Donaldson, to no one’s surprise, is appealing that punishment.

New York Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson facing interesting appeal

Donaldson’s appeal is going to be interesting to watch. He has completely admitted his statements although he disputes the intent. However, that intent should not matter at all, especially when it was clear that Anderson did not appreciate the remarks. MLB had to do something since letting this fade into the background would give the impression that they did not care about how Anderson took those remarks.

The league also cited how Donaldson’s remarks prompted a benches clearing incident. The fact that this has been an ongoing issue, and that those remarks caused that dustup, according to MLB, requires discipline.

To his credit, Donaldson addressed his comments with the Yankees. He said that he wants to speak with Anderson and apologized when he was asked about those remarks after the game. But this may be a matter of closing the barn door after the horse is stolen.

That is what Donaldson is fighting against. The league has decided that the intent is irrelevant and that his words required action. Donaldson, meanwhile, feels that context and intent should be a factor. He will continue to play in the interim as the appeals process tends to move at a glacial pace.

Major League Baseball suspended New York Yankees’ third baseman Josh Donaldson for a game and issued a fine. He feels that is too much for his words.