In a famous three-hour discussion on August 28 , 1945 , Rickey asked Robinson if he could face the racial hatred without reacting angrily . This was a worry because of Robinson 's past arguments with law enforcement officials at PJC and in the military . In a famous three-hour exchange on August 28 , 1945 , Rickey asked Robinson if he could face the racial animus without taking the bait and reacting angrily â `` a concern given Robinson 's prior arguments with law enforcement officials at PJC and in the military .