Kevin Pillar suspended for using gay slur
Blue Jay’s Kevin Pillar admitted and apologized for using gay slur during Wednesday’s game against the Atlanta Braves.
On Wednesday, Kevin Pillar was struck out by Jason Motte and on his way back to the bench used a gay slur towards the Braves’ pitcher. Pillar appeared to be mad after being quick-pitchedfor a strikeout, and didn’t handle it properly.
Following the incident, the benches cleared, but things calmed down quickly. On Thursday, Pillar admitted to this and apologized to the fans, his teammates and the Blue Jays organization.
"“I used inappropriate language towards Braves pitcher Jason Motte,” Pillar said. “By doing so I had just extended the use of a word that has no place in baseball, in sports or anywhere in society today. I’m completely and utterly embarrassed and feel horrible to have put the fans, my teammates and the Blue Jays organization in this position.”"
Tempers occasionally flare in sports, but it is never acceptable to let something like that slip. Pillar acknowledged his mistake, and apologized for it, but it doesn’t just go away that easily.
According to the MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, the league office is investigating the incident to properly discipline the Blue Jays’ center fielder. It is reported that a a two-game suspension has been handed to Pillar.
Two-game suspension for Pillar per #BlueJays GM Ross Atkins. His pay for those two games will be donated, club working out specifics.
— Gregor Chisholm (@GregorChisholm) May 18, 2017
This season has already had a fair share of drama. The saga between Manny Machado and the Red Sox may have just been the start. There is no excuse for what Pillar did. He understands the magnitude of his actions, and how much it hurts him and the team as a whole.
Pillar’s apology was sincere and well said, hopefully he learns from this situation. In addition to Pillar, hopefully other players around the league stay away from using those types of words.