Stephen A. Smith Wasn’t Happy That People Called Josh Donaldson’s ‘Jackie’ Comment To Tim Anderson Racist

Stephen A. Smith isn’t afraid to share his take on a controversial subject. So when Josh Donaldson was called out for a ‘racist’ comment to Tim Anderson, Stephen A was surely going to be cooking up a hot take.

The comment Donaldson made to Anderson was by calling the shortstop ‘Jackie’, referencing a 2019 interview where Anderson compared himself to a modern-day Jackie Robinson.

On Monday, Stephen A. Smith said people need to reflect before deeming the Donaldson remark racist.

“Here is what upsets me about this,” Smith said. “We are having a conversation about race, and I can’t sit here and tell you that anything Josh Donaldson said was racist. I think it’s actually wrong for people to attach racist, or racism, to Josh Donaldson today.”

Stephen A. Smith would go on to explain why he was ‘annoyed’ by the backlash Josh Donaldson was receiving after Tim Anderson took exception to the comment.

“Here is why I am annoyed by it. We gotta make sure when we make accusations like that that it counts. It’s damn near pretty irrefutable what you are… And then when real, bonafide, undeniable, unequivocal racist behavior is exhibited and put on display, people get to feign denials and all of this other stuff because so many times we’re bringing this up. I’m just saying we gotta be careful.”

Despite Stephen A’s take, the MLB announced that Josh Donaldson would be receiving a one game suspension for his ‘Jackie’ comment to Tim Anderson.

“There is no dispute over what was said on the field,” MLB’s statement reads. “Regardless of Mr. Donaldson’s intent, the comment he directed toward Mr. Anderson was disrespectful and in poor judgment, particularly when viewed in the context of their prior interactions.

“In addition, Mr. Donaldson’s remark was a contributing factor in a bench-clearing incident between the teams, and warrants discipline.”

Josh Donaldson is said to be appealing the suspension.

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