New York Yankees GM Aaron Boone has broken his silence on recent comments made by his third baseman Josh Donaldson. Notably, these statements have picked up steam in the media and sparked a larger debate amongst fans. Chiefly, Donaldson called Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson “Jackie”, however, this comment didn’t go down well with Anderson.
The incident led to a bench-clearing near-brawl in yesterday’s clash. Moreover, fans are keen to know which side of the coin all the stakeholders fall on regarding this issue. This is where Aaron Boone comes in.
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Boone appreciated the ‘context’ that Donaldson provided for his comment, but he believes he ultimately failed to read the room. He should have steered clear of making any reference to Tim Anderson that could be perceived to contain racial undertones, per Boone.
Aaron Boone: “Josh has been very forthcoming with the history of it and the context of it. So I don't believe there was any malicious intent in that regard. But you know, this is — just in my opinion — somewhere he should not be going.”
— Lindsey Adler (@lindseyadler) May 22, 2022
Yankees GM Aaron Boone has something to say
The context Donaldson provided for his “Jackie” comment was a 2019 SI interview where Tim Anderson referred to himself as the ‘New Jackie Robinson’. However, despite this mention, Aaron Boone understood how Tim Anderson perceived the comment to be ‘offensive or upsetting’.
“When I first heard the name Jackie mentioned, I was really taken aback and frankly upset about it myself,” Boone said. “I think when you go back to the context, the original story of where it was born out of, out of the article, and then now a few years of saying that, I’m less taken aback by it at that point.
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“But again, I sit here, as a white guy, that did change the context for me, but I also understand how it can be offensive or upsetting.” [h/t nypost.com]
Aaron Boone also revealed that Yankees star Josh Donaldson addressed his teammates individually and provided clarity on his remarks. This issue hasn’t offset the rhythm within the Yankees clubhouse, per Boone, as the team is focused on their season.
Despite their best intention to put the incident in the rearview mirror, fans are weighing in on the controversy. Furthermore, the Yankees went down 5-0 in today’s game and now turn their focus towards the O’s.
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