Josh Donaldson apologizes to Jackie Robinson's wife, family for 'Jackie' remark to Tim Anderson

Josh Donaldson has apologized to Jackie Robinson's wife and family for using the barrier-breaking Hall of Famer's name in reference to Tim Anderson last week, saying Robinson «was a true American hero» and that he holds his name «in the highest regard.»

Donaldson issued his apology as part of a statement to MLB.com on Thursday, three days after the New York Yankees third baseman was suspended one game by Major League Baseball for his «inappropriate comments» to Anderson the previous weekend.

Donaldson acknowledged to calling Anderson «Jackie» — a reference to Robinson, who broke MLB's color barrier in 1947 — in the first inning during Saturday's game between the Yankees and Chicago White Sox. The former MVP apologized after the game, saying he meant no disrespect and that he was joking with Anderson, who is Black.

Donaldson reiterated those sentiments in his statement Thursday before apologizing to Rachel Robinson and her family.

«I would also like to apologize to Mrs. Rachel Robinson and the Jackie Robinson family for any distress this incident may have caused,» Donaldson said. «Jackie was a true American hero and I hold his name in the highest regard.»

Anderson said Saturday he was offended by Donaldson's comment, calling it «disrespectful» and «unnecessary.» White Sox manager Tony La Russa said he believed Donaldson's comment was «racist.»

«First and foremost, I have the utmost respect for what Tim Anderson brings to the game of baseball,» Donaldson said in his statement Thursday. «I stated over the weekend that I apologized for offending Tim and that it was a misunderstanding based on multiple exchanges between us over the years.

»My view of that exchange hasn't changed and I absolutely meant no disrespect. In the