Update: Toronto CF Kevin Pillar suspended 2 games for anti-gay slur

By May 18, 2017 5:36 pm

PAUL NEWBERRY, AP Sports Writer

ATLANTA (AP) — Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Kevin Pillar has been suspended two games for yelling an anti-gay slur at a Braves pitcher.

The Blue Jays suspended Pillar on Thursday shortly after he apologized, saying he was “completely and utterly embarrassed” by his actions toward Jason Motte.

Pillar was angry at Motte for allegedly quick-pitching him to get a strikeout that ended the seventh inning in Atlanta’s 8-4 victory Wednesday night.

Replays appeared to show Pillar using the slur as he yelled toward the mound, and the player issued a statement acknowledging his wrongdoing.

Toronto general manager Ross Atkins flew to Atlanta to address the situation before the finale of a four-game interleague series. Atkins announced the suspension, which he said was deemed appropriate by Major League Baseball.

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Toronto CF Kevin Pillar apologizes for using anti-gay slur

ATLANTA (AP) — Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Kevin Pillar has apologized for using an , which could lead to disciplinary action from Major League Baseball.

Pillar was angry at Braves pitcher Jason Motte for allegedly quick-pitching him to get a strikeout that ended the seventh inning in Wednesday night’s 8-4 loss to Atlanta. Replays appeared to show Pillar using the slur as he yelled toward the mound.

The Blue Jays issued a statement Thursday from Pillar acknowledging the use of a word “that has no place in baseball, in sports or anywhere in society today.” Pillar went on to say that he has personally apologized to Motte, and that he plans to apologize to the Braves, their fans and, “most importantly, to the LGBTQ community for the lack of respect I displayed.”

Commissioner Rob Manfred says MLB is investigating the incident to determine if Pillar should be disciplined.

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