Blue Jays suspend Kevin Pillar two games for homophobic slur
The Toronto Blue Jays have suspended outfielder Kevin Pillar two games after he directed a homophobic slur at Atlanta Braves pitcher Jason Motte during a game on Wednesday.
Major League Baseball said it was investigating the incident, which occurred after Pillar struck out swinging to end the seventh inning of Atlanta's 8–4 win. Pillar felt he was quick-pitched, and he started to yell toward the mound at Motte after he struck out.
Pillar apologized to for actions after the game.
“It was immature, it was stupid, it was uncalled for,” Pillar said. “It’s part of the game, it’s just, I’m a competitive guy and heat of the moment. Obviously I’m going to do whatever I’ve got to do to reach out and apologize and let him know he didn’t do anything wrong, it was all me.”
Pillar also tweeted an apology Thursday.
"I'm completely and utterly embarrassed and feel horrible to have put the fans, my teammates and the Blue Jays organization in this position," Pillar said in the tweet.
During the game, the benches cleared twice, once after Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista homered in the eight inning and stared at Braves pitcher Eric O'Flaherty before flipping his bat.
Toronto was losing by five runs before Bautista's home run and bat flip.
