Apology given for slur
Toronto Blue Jays player Kevin Pillar made a homophobic slur live on television last night and has apologized. Specifically, he called the Atlanta Braves pitcher, Jason Mott, a “fag”.
Using Twitter, Pillar posted a statement apologizing for his comments, mentioning LGBTQ fans and sharing he wanted to “better himself”.
Pillar wrote: “Last night, following my at-bat in the 7th inning, I used inappropriate language towards Braves pitcher Jason Motte. By doing so I had just helped extend the use of a word that has no place in baseball, in sports or anywhere in society today.
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“I’m completely and utterly embarrassed and feel horrible to have put the fans, my teammates and the Blue Jays organization in this position. I have apologized personally to Jason Motte, but also need to apologize to the Braves organization and their fans, and most importantly, to the LGBTQ community for the lack of respect I displayed last night. This is not who I am and will use this as an opportunity to better myself.”
Pillar had already stated he’s apologized to Motte following the game, saying his comment was “stupid” and “immature”.
— Kevin Pillar (@KPILLAR4) May 18, 2017
It reads: “The Toronto Blue Jays are extremely disappointed by the comments made by Kevin Pillar following his at-bat during the 7th inning of last night’s game. In no way is this kind of behavior accepted or tolerated, nor is it a reflection of the type of inclusive organization we strive to be.
“We would like to extend our own apologies to all fans, Major League Baseball and especially the LGBTQ community.
The Blue Jays announced a two-game suspension for Pillar on Thursday afternoon. This would not be the first time a professional ball player has been suspended for making these kinds of comments.
In 2012, Yunel Escobar, then with the Blue Jays received a suspension for 3 games after writing an anti-gay slur on his eye-black patches.
In the NBA, Rajon Rondo, (Sacramento Kings player at time), was suspended for one game in 2015 for using the slur toward a referee.
